A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to take assertive diplomatic measures with China to combat the surge of fentanyl. In a letter sent on Wednesday, Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) and 44 other House members expressed concern about the ongoing role of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. Co-leads on the letter include Reps. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), David Trone (D-Md.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.).
The letter emphasizes the need for aggressive diplomatic action and a coordinated effort across government agencies to secure an agreement with the PRC that effectively addresses the illicit fentanyl trade. During Secretary Blinken’s visit to Beijing in June, he emphasized the importance of collaboration with China to combat the flow of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals that contribute to the fentanyl crisis. While progress is being made in fentanyl talks with China, the establishment of a fentanyl working group has not yet been reached, according to State Department spokesperson Matt Miller.
The lawmakers highlight that the PRC is the main source of the precursor chemicals used in the illegal manufacturing of drugs, which have been responsible for numerous American deaths. These chemicals are sold to Mexican criminal organizations, enabling them to produce illegal fentanyl that enters the U.S. market. The lawmakers urge prompt action to prevent further fatalities from drug overdoses, especially considering the increasing presence of fentanyl-laced pills in recent years.
To address this issue, the lawmakers propose increased monitoring of transactions and trades that have historically served as indicators of trafficking operations, such as wildlife trafficking of protected species. They also present Secretary Blinken with four questions regarding the State Department’s actions on the fentanyl crisis, as well as details about his trip to Beijing and the proposed U.S.-China Working Group to Combat Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking.
The lawmakers request a response from Secretary Blinken within 60 days.
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