Bill > S63

This bill, known as the "Countering Beijing's Weaponization of Fentanyl Act" (CBW Fentanyl Act), amends the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 to expand the scope of sanctions against foreign countries involved in chemical or biological programs that cause injury to other countries. The bill introduces new provisions that require the President to investigate and potentially impose sanctions on foreign governmental entities if credible information suggests they have committed acts related to chemical or biological programs involving specific substances like benzylfentanyl, 4-anilinopiperidine, or norfentanyl precursors. The sanctions process is structured in three stages: initial sanctions include suspending scientific cooperation and prohibiting exports, intermediate sanctions may involve terminating foreign assistance and additional export restrictions, and final sanctions can prohibit financial transactions with the country. The President can waive these sanctions for up to 180 days if national security interests are at stake, but this waiver authority expires after five years. The bill also provides detailed definitions of key terms like "chemical or biological program" and "covered act" and references international treaties such as the Biological Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention, signaling a comprehensive approach to preventing the development and distribution of dangerous chemical and biological substances.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/63/all-info