Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator McCormick, David [R-PA]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a centralized interagency task force to coordinate and disrupt illicit synthetic narcotics trafficking. The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics would unite federal agencies and work with state, territorial, Tribal, and local partners to target trafficking networks, with emphasis on the People's Republic of China’s role.
Show full summary
- Federal, state, territorial, Tribal, and local law enforcement would gain a centralized venue for information sharing, joint operations, raids, and coordinated prosecutions.
- Prosecutors and investigators could pursue federal offenses tied to illicit synthetic narcotics and related crimes like money laundering, and the task force may bring cases involving non-U.S. persons in specified districts.
- A Director appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate would report every 180 days and deliver a 2-year plan with goals and budget priorities. The task force would be barred from investigating individuals for personal drug use or low-level dealing unconnected to major trafficking networks.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New national task force for synthetic drugs
If enacted, the bill would create a Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics. The President would appoint the Director, and the Senate would confirm. The Director would report to the Attorney General and be paid at Executive Schedule Level II. Member agencies would keep their existing powers to investigate and prosecute.
New powers to fight synthetic drug networks
If enacted, the bill would give the task force authority to investigate and prosecute major illicit synthetic narcotics crimes. It would allow joint operations, raids, and coordinated tactical actions. It would require timely intelligence sharing and cooperation with state, territorial, Tribal, and local partners. It would allow special venue rules for some foreign-linked prosecutions.
Task force intelligence and planning offices
If enacted, the bill would require the task force to set up an intelligence coordination element, a strategic operational planning element, an Office of General Counsel, and an Office of Congressional Coordination. The intelligence office would analyze all-source trafficking data. The planning office would make and monitor two-year operational plans.
Limits on targeting personal drug users
If enacted, the bill would bar the task force from investigating, targeting, or prosecuting people only for personal drug use. It would also bar enforcement against low-level dealing with no clear ties to larger trafficking networks. The Director could not direct operations outside the task force's counter-opioid mission.
Semiannual reports and two-year plans
If enacted, the bill would require the Director to report to key Senate and House committees within 180 days of enactment and every 180 days after. Each report must include a two-year plan, budget priorities, staffing and funding estimates, case statistics, and work on the People's Republic of China's role in the crisis. The task force would also provide briefings on request.
Definition of illicit synthetic narcotic
If enacted, the bill would define "illicit synthetic narcotic" to include controlled substances, listed chemicals, and active ingredients used to make them. It would exclude natural substances and lawful medicines when a DEA import permit exists. The definition would rely on existing Controlled Substances Act terms.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McCormick, David [R-PA]
PA • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Katie Britt
AL • R
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov