Schumer Demands Trump Administration Reverse 91% Cut to Fentanyl Control Programs

Fentanyl Crisis and China Accountability

• 💡 Donald Trump promised to hold China accountable for the fentanyl crisis but has failed to do so.
• ⚠️ The administration's trade war with China has eliminated leverage needed to address the flow of fentanyl into America.

State Department Program Cuts

• 🎯 A 91% cut to the State Department's international narcotics control and enforcement programs is proposed in the President's budget.
• 🚫 This cut is described as misguided and counterproductive to addressing the fentanyl crisis.

Demands for Action

• 🇨🇳 Secretary Rubio and Bessant are urged to use diplomatic tools to push China to stop fentanyl trafficking.
• 📈 Specific demands for the Chinese government include better policing of illicit fentanyl and precursor chemicals, increased scheduling of precursors, and stopping illicit financing.
• 🤝 The administration should work with the PRC for concessions and cooperation, rather than pursuing a strategy that destroys influence.

Diplomatic Strategy Critique

• 📉 The current strategy is criticized for blaming allies like Canada and cutting programs that could actually address the problem.
• 🗣️ The speaker previously demanded direct action from President Xi on precursor chemicals, noting some steps were taken but more is needed.