WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Rob Wyden (D-OR), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at tightening import restrictions to curb the entry of illicit goods, including fentanyl, counterfeit items, and products made with forced labor. The Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers, and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act seeks to address loopholes in the customs process that foreign corporations exploit to bypass tariffs and inspections.
The legislation comes as shipments to U.S. consumers from foreign entities have quadrupled in recent years. These companies often use the de minimis entry process, which allows packages valued under $800 to enter the country tariff-free and with minimal inspection. This loophole has been particularly exploited by Chinese corporate giants to avoid paying tariffs and evade trade penalties, putting U.S. manufacturers at a disadvantage.
Senator Casey emphasized the gravity of the fentanyl crisis, which has claimed numerous lives across Pennsylvania. “Far too many families across Pennsylvania have lost a loved one to the fentanyl crisis. We need to fight back against foreign corporations and traffickers that take advantage of holes in our trade laws to allow dangerous goods—including fentanyl and products made with forced labor—to enter our country undetected and free of tariffs, duties, or inspection,” he said. “This legislation is a critical step to crack down on fentanyl crossing our borders, and I will continue to fight like hell to stop the fentanyl crisis.”
Senator Wyden pointed out the challenges faced by customs agents due to the influx of low-value packages. “Foreign corporate giants are inundating our borders with millions of low-value packages, making it tough for customs agents to stop dangerous goods like fentanyl from falling into Americans’ hands,” he said. “Americans should feel confident that anything arriving on their doorstep is safe, legal, and ethically produced. Our legislation would crack down on foreign companies abusing the law and make sure they play by the rules.”
Senator Lummis highlighted the role of China in exploiting these loopholes. “Whether through the southwest border or in packages mailed into the United States, China is using any tool available to get illicit drugs across our border,” she said. “It is time for CBP to crack down on shipments from China to ensure drugs and products made using slave labor are encountered before making it into our communities.”
The FIGHTING for America Act aims to empower Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by tightening the regulations for de minimis entry. This would involve requiring CBP to collect more detailed information about commercial packages, increasing penalties for violations, and enhancing the targeting and seizure of illicit goods.
Senator Brown noted the impact on Ohio communities and businesses. “Countries like China are exploiting the de minimis loophole to cheat our trade laws and flood our country with packages containing fentanyl and other illicit substances,” he said. “By cracking down on this loophole and providing law enforcement with more resources, this bipartisan legislation will begin to level the playing field for Ohio workers and Ohio manufacturers and retailers – while helping to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into Ohio communities.”
Senator Collins stressed the need for strengthened customs oversight. “Chinese companies continue to abuse U.S. trade laws. It is necessary that we tighten customs oversight of low-value imports entering the United States to combat these abuses of tariff-free entry procedures,” she said. “This bipartisan bill would strengthen CBP enforcement, improve data collection, and streamline the import approval process to address unlawful imports and protect domestic industries while ensuring fair trade practices.”
This legislation is crucial in the broader context of U.S. trade and public health. By closing loopholes and enhancing oversight, the FIGHTING for America Act could significantly reduce the entry of dangerous goods, thereby protecting American consumers and businesses. The bill’s bipartisan support highlights the urgency and importance of addressing these issues to ensure safer and fairer trade practices.
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