CBW Fentanyl Act
Sponsored By: Representative Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a new, structured "multi-stage sanctions regime" that would punish foreign chemical or biological programs that injure other countries and explicitly covers certain fentanyl precursors. It would expand the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act to add new reporting rules, definitions, and stepped sanctions tied to those harms.
Show full summary
- It targets foreign governmental entities and actors. The bill defines a "chemical or biological program" to include weapons programs and specified fentanyl-related precursors such as benzylfentanyl, 4-anilinopiperidine, and norfentanyl precursors.
- It sets an escalating sanctions sequence. Initial measures include suspending science cooperation, banning exports and in-country transfers of sensitive items, and blocking procurement from a country’s chemical or biological sector. If a government fails to act the President must escalate and apply broader measures, with a final application of major restrictions within 210 days and a possible termination of sanctions after one year if conditions are met.
- It creates presidential duties and a limited waiver path. The President must make determinations and reports to impose sanctions and can pause sanctions for up to 180 days for vital national security reasons, but that waiver power cannot be used after five years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New definitions for chemical sanctions
If enacted, the bill would add definitions used to decide who can face the new sanctions. It would define "chemical or biological program" to include weapons programs and explicitly list three fentanyl-related precursors: benzylfentanyl, 4-anilinopiperidine, and norfentanyl precursors. The bill would also define "covered act" and a broad "foreign governmental entity" that includes governments, agencies, government-controlled companies, agents acting for a government, and entities receiving significant material support. These definitions would apply as soon as the law is enacted and would determine which persons, entities, and programs could trigger sanctions under the new rules.
New sanctions for chemical or biological acts
If enacted, the bill would expand an existing law so the United States could impose sanctions for harmful acts tied to chemical or biological programs that injure another country. The President would have 60 days to decide if a covered act occurred and must start initial sanctions within 30 days against the country most closely associated with the actor. Initial sanctions would suspend U.S. scientific cooperation, block exports and in‑country transfers of Commerce Control List Category 1 and 2 items, and ban U.S. procurement from that country's chemical or biological sector. Within 120 days the President would report to Congress and could add at least two intermediate sanctions (for example ending most foreign assistance except urgent humanitarian or food aid, imposing export controls, or blocking weapons licenses). A final report is due within 210 days and, if the country still has not acted, the President would impose broader prohibitions on certain foreign transactions and financial transfers. The President could waive required sanctions for up to 180 days for national security reasons, but that waiver power would end five years after enactment; sanctions could be ended after one year if the President certifies required remedies and cooperation are happening.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]
AL • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
NJ • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]
MI • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov