Staff Reports
In a significant summit, President Biden declared that China has taken measures to address the flow of the deadly drug fentanyl into the United States via Mexico. At a White House meeting focused on the fentanyl crisis, President Biden announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has committed to cracking down on the illicit trade of fentanyl components. According to Biden, China aims to send a clear message to its companies that shipments of fentanyl ingredients will not be tolerated.
President Biden underscored the collaborative effort between the United States and China to target the components of fentanyl, a crucial step in mitigating the continuous influx of this dangerous synthetic opioid. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, prompting President Biden to address the crisis with expanded drug abuse treatment, the use of overdose-reversing drugs, and the adoption of harm-reduction measures.
Biden says China is starting to follow through on fentanyl pledge, though ‘we’re going to verify’https://t.co/vY1tCwZcIU pic.twitter.com/EqQvPy02uL
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 22, 2023
In his ongoing efforts to combat the crisis, President Biden urged Congress to permanently classify fentanyl and its analogs under the strictest controlled list of drugs, Schedule I. However, Congress remains divided on the best course of action. While Democrats advocate for enhanced screening at ports of entry, Republicans point to the perceived lax security at the U.S.-Mexico border as a primary concern. Disagreements over mandatory minimum criminal penalties have further hindered lawmakers' ability to reach a consensus.
Former President Donald Trump, known for his tough stance on criminal justice, advocates for imposing the death penalty on fentanyl dealers. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, went even further, stating that his administration would shoot fentanyl traffickers attempting to enter the U.S. Such proposals have ignited intense debates and tensions on Capitol Hill.
Despite opposition and ideological differences, President Biden remains committed to addressing this global challenge. He emphasized that the fentanyl crisis extends beyond American borders, calling for collective global action and highlighting the crucial role of diplomacy. While leading Democrats have praised Biden's diplomatic approach, Republicans express skepticism about the effectiveness of international negotiations and call for stronger domestic measures to combat the ongoing fentanyl scourge.
