Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has joined forces with Senator Dave McCormick and Representative Dan Newhouse to introduce the Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025. This bipartisan and bicameral bill aims to tackle the drug abuse crisis in the United States, which is exacerbated by criminal cartels distributing these substances across communities.

The proposed legislation seeks to enhance federal coordination against this issue, targeting trafficking organizations and addressing the role of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in producing fentanyl precursors and laundering drug money. "The flood of fentanyl into our nation is truly devastating American families and communities," stated Senator Britt. She emphasized the need for a coordinated federal task force to combat illicit fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics.

The task force's mission includes streamlining interagency collaboration, enhancing legal enforcement, and regularly reporting to Congress. Senator McCormick highlighted that "fentanyl killed nearly 4,000 Pennsylvanians last year and over 200 Americans each day." He believes that this legislation will empower the federal government to utilize all available tools against lethal fentanyl trafficking.

A recent investigation by the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and CCP revealed a lack of centralized coordination within the federal government for effectively addressing fentanyl trafficking. The new legislation proposes establishing a Joint Task Force comprising representatives from various departments including Justice, Treasury, Homeland Security, State, Commerce, Defense, among others.

Representative Newhouse remarked on CCP's involvement in the crisis: "The CCP is the leading force behind the fentanyl crisis." He asserted that this joint task force would enable a comprehensive response using resources like sanctions and joint drug raids.

Senator Britt also supports other legislative efforts such as Senator John Kennedy’s Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act aimed at changing sentencing thresholds for fentanyl distribution. As part of her Judiciary Committee work, she advocates for passing the HALT Fentanyl Act which seeks permanent classification of fentanyl-related substances under Schedule 1.

Senator Britt affirmed her commitment: "This bill takes necessary steps...ensuring law enforcement officers have tools necessary...I will work tirelessly to get this bill to President Trump’s desk."