Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has voted in favor of the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, legislation aimed at sanctioning Chinese companies for their involvement in the fentanyl crisis affecting the United States. The bill was approved by a significant margin in the House, passing with a vote of 407-4.

Johnson is part of the Fentanyl Policy Working Group within the Select Committee on China. He stated, “China is the number one producer of fentanyl—the deadliest drug—and its precursor chemicals, yet the Chinese government continues to allow the flow of fentanyl out of their country. We must do more to protect our kids and adults and make our communities safe. I’m grateful the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to penalize the Chinese entities and officials who are fueling the fentanyl crisis in America.”

The act seeks to address concerns about China's role as a primary source of both fentanyl and its precursor chemicals, which are used in illicit drug manufacturing operations targeting U.S. markets.

Fentanyl remains a major public health issue in America. According to federal agencies, it is currently identified as the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45. Data from the Drug Enforcement Agency indicate that nearly half of all pills tested for fentanyl contain doses considered potentially lethal.

Johnson has represented South Dakota’s at-large district since 2019 after replacing Kristi Noem in Congress. He was born in Pierre, South Dakota in 1976 and currently resides in Mitchell.

A report from the Select Committee on China outlines further details regarding alleged links between Chinese organizations and America’s ongoing opioid epidemic: https://selectcommitteeonccp.house.gov/media/press-releases/select-committee-china-releases-report-ccps-role-fentanyl-crisis.