Charitable Act

House Bill

H.R. 801

119th Congress

Charitable Act

In Committee

Introduced:Aug 22, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Frank J. Pallone Jr.

Representative

Democratic

NJ-6

Cosponsors

14

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill would allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restrict migration and imports from other countries if they are determined to pose a risk of introducing certain illegal drugs, like opioids or fentanyl, into the United States. This expands on current law that allows HHS to restrict imports to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Latest Action

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 36.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restrict migration and imports from other countries if they are determined to pose a risk of introducing certain illegal drugs, like opioids or fentanyl, into the United States. This expands on current law that allows HHS to restrict imports to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Securing the Border for Public Health Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs into the United States. Current law authorizes HHS to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of communicable diseases. Under this bill, HHS may also restrict migration and imports from a country if HHS determines that introduction of certain controlled substances (e.g., opiates, stimulants, or fentanyl-related substances) from that country poses a risk to public health. HHS must consult with the Department of Justice in making the determination.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes HHS to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries if those imports are determined to risk introducing illicit drugs like opioids or fentanyl into the U.S.
Builds on existing law that allows HHS to restrict imports to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Requires HHS to consult with the Department of Justice when making determinations about the public health risks of imports.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it could lead to increased restrictions on travel and trade with certain countries, especially those seen as sources of illicit drug flows into the U.S. This could impact businesses, travelers, and access to goods for American consumers. The bill is aimed at addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and fentanyl overdoses, which have had a devastating impact on many communities across the country.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Border security and unlawful immigration

Customs enforcement

Drug trafficking and controlled substances

Infectious and parasitic diseases

Trade restrictions

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

801, 119th Congress (2025). "Charitable Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-801