HR 5744119th CongressIn Committee

Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act

Introduced: Oct 10, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7] (D-Virginia)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The bill, titled the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, would require the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study of the online sale of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and methamphetamine. The study would examine how illicit online drug markets operate (business models, supply chains, and customer acquisition/retention), how these markets facilitate financial transactions (with special focus on impacts on individuals 18 and under), and the federal government’s efforts to combat online drug trafficking. It would also review interagency, intergovernmental, and private-sector collaboration; current procedures used by federal law enforcement; outcomes of efforts over the past decade; and identify gaps and resource needs. Additional topics include technology and data practices used to detect and counter illicit sales, how providers enforce user rules (e.g., account suspensions), and referrals from providers to the federal government (including counts, investigations, prosecutions, and sharing with state/local authorities). The GAO would be required to issue a report to Congress within one year of enactment.

Key Points

1Requires a GAO study of the online sale of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and methamphetamine, including business models, supply chains, and customer acquisition/retention in illicit online marketplaces.
2Examines how online drug markets use financial systems and the impact on youth (ages 18 and under).
3Evaluates federal efforts to combat online drug trafficking, including interagency, intergovernmental, and private-sector collaboration, and analyzes procedures and outcomes from the past 10 years to identify gaps.
4Assesses technology and data approaches used by providers (e.g., machine learning, algorithms) to detect and counter illicit sales.
5Analyzes provider enforcement measures (user verification, suspensions, reporting to law enforcement) and referrals to the federal government, including counts, investigations, outcomes, and sharing with state/local entities.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Congress and the GAO (accountable for conducting the study and reporting findings)- Federal agencies involved in drug enforcement and cyber/online-market regulation- Online platforms and marketplaces that host illicit drug activity- Individuals at risk from online drug trafficking, including youthSecondary group/area affected- State, Tribal, and local governments (through potential coordination and sharing of information)- Private sector, including technology platforms, financial service providers, and NGOs partnering with government efforts- Researchers and policy analysts studying illicit online markets and drug enforcementAdditional impacts- Potential guidance for future policy, funding, and regulatory actions based on GAO findings- Implications for data collection and privacy when monitoring or reporting on online activity- Could influence resource allocation and priorities across federal, state, and local law enforcement and public health effortsThe bill is introduced in the 119th Congress (October 10, 2025) and would be referred to the relevant committees. It does not itself impose new penalties or direct regulatory requirements; it creates a mandated GAO study to inform policy decisions. The short title is the “Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act.”

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