PRESS Act
Sponsored By: Representative McDowell
Introduced
Summary
Blocks importation and manufacture of pill presses and related gear used to make illegal drugs. This bill would add an extraterritorial ban to the Controlled Substances Act and make it a federal crime to make, ship, or supply specified tableting and encapsulating equipment when the actor knows or intends the equipment will be used to produce controlled substances or listed chemicals destined for the United States.
Show full summary
- Manufacturers and sellers of tableting machines, encapsulating machines, press punches, die systems, gelatin capsules, and similar equipment would face criminal liability if they know or intend the gear will be used to make illegal drugs. The statute sets a top penalty of up to 20 years for violations involving a List I chemical.
- Large shipments aimed at drug production would face stiffer treatment when they involve big quantities. The bill flags thresholds of more than 1,000 kilograms or more than 100 tableting or encapsulating machines as higher‑risk conduct.
- The United States Sentencing Commission would be directed to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements so penalties and guideline ranges align with the new offenses and penalties.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Ban on exporting pill-making machines
This bill would make it illegal to make or sell certain pill-making machines and related items when the person intends or knows they will be used to make controlled substances or listed chemicals that will be unlawfully imported into the United States. Covered items include tableting machines, encapsulating machines, press punches, die systems, gelatin capsules, and related equipment, chemicals, products, or materials. The bill would apply even to conduct outside the United States if the person intends, knows, or has reasonable cause to believe the product will be used to make drugs that will be unlawfully imported. Violations would be punishable by fines under title 18 and prison. Maximum prison terms would include up to 20 years when a List I chemical is involved, up to 10 years for certain offenses, up to 8 years for the extraterritorial manufacture or distribution prohibition, and up to 15 years where the violation involves more than 1,000 kilograms of a chemical or product or more than 100 tableting or encapsulating machines. The bill would take effect upon enactment.
Sentencing review for drug equipment crimes
This bill would direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements to reflect the changes in this Act. The review and any amendments would be done under the Commission's existing authority in 28 U.S.C. 994(p). The requirement would take effect upon enactment and could change prison terms for people sentenced under the new rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McDowell
NC • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
OK • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]
TX • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Jack
GA • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
NY • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]
IN • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Goldman (TX)
TX • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]
NC • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Nehls
TX • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Edwards
NC • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Stutzman
IN • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
OH • R
Sponsored 1/21/2026
Bresnahan
PA • R
Sponsored 1/27/2026
Ellzey
TX • R
Sponsored 1/30/2026
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
FL • R
Sponsored 1/30/2026
Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]
TX • R
Sponsored 2/4/2026
Cuellar
TX • D
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
TX • R
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Van Duyne
TX • R
Sponsored 2/11/2026
Sessions
TX • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
TX • R
Sponsored 2/13/2026
Pfluger
TX • R
Sponsored 2/23/2026
Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
LA • R
Sponsored 2/24/2026
Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2]
FL • R
Sponsored 3/4/2026
Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
IN • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Harris (NC)
NC • R
Sponsored 3/12/2026
Latta
OH • R
Sponsored 3/12/2026
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
NJ • R
Sponsored 3/18/2026
Lee (FL)
FL • R
Sponsored 3/26/2026
Rep. Fuller, Clay [R-GA-14]
GA • R
Sponsored 4/16/2026
Kean
NJ • R
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Van Epps
TN • R
Sponsored 5/11/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov