Florida Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R) stands with Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr (R) and his “Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act” as they aim to curb the U.S. fentanyl epidemic by imposing heavy sanctions on CCP fentanyl producers.
Rep. Díaz-Balart, who represents Florida's District 26, which encompasses an area of South Florida gripped by the fentanyl crisis, expressed pride as he backs Barr’s efforts.
“Proud to have voted in favor of [Andy Barr’s] Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, holding the CCP accountable for its role in the fentanyl epidemic that claims nearly 80K American lives every year,” he said.
The Florida congressman continued, explaining how China produces the drug for the Mexican cartels and the cartels smuggle the substance across the U.S. southern border.
He also commended President Donald Trump and his emphasis on border security, aiding in curbing the supply of fentanyl in the U.S.
“China produces the chemicals, Mexican cartels turn them into lethal drugs, and they flood across our southern border. Thanks to [President Donald Trump’s] law and order approach, the border is stronger and safer today,” he stated.
Díaz-Balart closes his statement by describing how the 'Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act' works and how it targets fentanyl production at the source.
“This bill cracks down on those behind the fentanyl trade by sanctioning individuals and entities tied to the production, sale, or trafficking of synthetic opioids and designating them as foreign opioid traffickers, and cutting off their networks,” he concluded.
Rep. Barr also released a statement where he cites the DEA claiming that the majority of fentanyl production is from China and that roughly 70% of overdose deaths in Kentucky are due to fentanyl overdoses.
“The DEA says most fentanyl is sourced in China. Fentanyl causes almost 7/10 overdose deaths in KY.” Barr said.
The Kentucky politician also said that the House had passed the bill and the Senate will now deliberate on it.
“That’s why I’ve been fighting for my bill, the STOP Chinese Fentanyl Act, to sanction CCP fentanyl producers. The bill has now passed the House!” Barr added.
