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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

Illegal Drug Equipment: New Penalties for Pill Presses

Also known as: PRESS Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by a group of lawmakers led by Mr. McDowell, targets the machines used to make illegal drugs. It makes it a crime to build or sell pill presses and capsule-filling machines if the person knows they will be used to create illegal substances intended for the United States.
  • The law would allow the U.S. government to prosecute people even if they are living in other countries. This means if someone overseas sells drug-making equipment to a cartel knowing it will be used to send drugs to America, they could face charges in American courts.
  • This plan aims to stop the production of fake pills, which are often made to look like prescription medicine but contain dangerous chemicals. By making it harder to get the necessary equipment, the government hopes to slow down the illegal drug trade before the products reach the border.
  • Those who break this law could face up to 8 years in prison. For large-scale operations involving more than 100 machines or massive amounts of materials, the penalty can increase to 15 years.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 21, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

PRESS Act

Bill NumberHR 7184
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(20)
D: 1R: 19

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.