Last week, two bills supported by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) passed the House Committee on Homeland Security. H.R. 5274, the Prevent Exposure to Narcotics and Toxics (PREVENT) Act would protect Customs and Border Protection (CBP) frontline personnel when handling illicit drugs. H.R. 7779, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Actwould prevent the Chinese Government from infiltrating and influencing our universities to advance their agenda.
“For years we have seen the number of illicit drugs coming across the U.S.-Mexico border skyrocket, putting our law enforcement officers in harm’s way. The PREVENT Act will go a long way to keeping CPB personnel safe while they work to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Miller-Meeks, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “The Committee has also taken serious action to stop the Chinese Communist Party from increasing their influence and spreading their ideology across the country. We need to ensure that American’s education is not tainted by the CCP and I was proud to support this legislation.”
Background:
The PREVENT Act, introduced by Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14), requires the CBP Commissioner to issue containment devices to all CBP personnel and provide training on their use. Containment devices are a critical tool that provides protection against secondary exposure to fentanyl, lethal powders, and unknown chemical substances seized or otherwise encountered by law enforcement officers and first responders, while also better preserving these chemical substances for forensic analysis to improve the efficacy of investigations.
The DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (TX-13), prohibits certain DHS funds from flowing to American universities that host a Confucius Institute or maintain a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern. This bill holds American universities accountable and ensures they prioritize their students’ education above partnerships with Confucius Institutes or Chinese entities of concern.
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