Washington, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after the Postal Service Office of Inspector General issued an audit report highlighting that drug dealers often use the international mail to facilitate the shipments of illegal drugs:

“One conclusion from this report is clear: Congressional action to send the STOP Act to the President’s desk this year was greatly needed. Led by Rep. Mike Bishop of Michigan, this important legislation – soon to become law – will help stop illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, in their tracks by requiring USPS to transmit advanced information to Customs and Border Protection on all international shipments by the end of 2020. In addition, our bill directs the State Department to strengthen international postal agreements to ensure that they preserve our ability to require advance data on all international mail shipments. 

“I also want to thank Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert, Rep. Kenny Marchant, and Rep. John Faso for their work on the STOP Act. This legislation will hold our Postal Service accountable and keep our communities safe.”