The PRESS Act (Preventing Rogue Equipment for Synthetic Substances Act)
April 30, 2026
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Where This Stands
Currently in_committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →The Frame
This bill creates new federal criminal penalties for individuals involved in the supply chain of pill-making equipment intended for the illegal importation of synthetic drugs into the U.S.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Manufacturers and distributors of industrial equipment
These entities face new criminal liability for the sale or distribution of specific machinery if the equipment is linked to illegal drug importation.
United States Sentencing Commission
The commission is required to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines to align with the new criminal provisions in this bill.
Current stage: in_committee.
Floor Vote.
Summary
Key Facts
- The bill prohibits the manufacture or distribution of tableting machines, encapsulating machines, press punches, die systems, and gelatin capsules if intended for illegal drug production and import.
- Violations involving 1,000+ kilograms of chemicals or 100+ machines carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
- Standard violations for distributing equipment for illegal import carry a maximum prison sentence of 8 years.
- Violations involving list I chemicals carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
- The bill grants the U.S. Sentencing Commission authority to update federal sentencing guidelines to reflect these new provisions.
- The bill establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction, meaning these laws apply to actions taken outside the U.S. if the intent is to import substances into the U.S.
- The bill amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 959 and 960).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill ban the sale of all pill-making machines?
What is the maximum prison sentence under this bill?
Why It Matters
This bill creates new federal criminal penalties for individuals involved in the supply chain of pill-making equipment intended for the illegal importation of synthetic drugs into the U.S.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2024
“In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In support of increasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officials. In support of the Right to Vote Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of reform to the Insurrections Act. In support of preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to H.R. 9495 (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act) provision of empowering unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profits In opposition to Schedule F reforms weakening the federal civil work service. In support of the PRESS Act to protect journalists from court-ordered disclosure of sources in the absence of a threat of imminent violence or terrorism threat against the U.S. In support of checks against the weaponization of the Department of Justice In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. ”
Protect Democracy United (fka UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2024
“In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In support of increasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officials. In support of the Right to Vote Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of reform to the Insurrections Act. In support of preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to H.R. 9495 (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act) provision of empowering unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profits In opposition to Schedule F reforms weakening the federal civil work service. In support of the PRESS Act to protect journalists from court-ordered disclosure of sources in the absence of a threat of imminent violence or terrorism threat against the U.S. In support of checks against the weaponization of the Department of Justice In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. ”
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Expansion of Extraterritorial Reach
The bill explicitly extends U.S. criminal law to cover the manufacture and distribution of equipment occurring outside the U.S. if the intent is to import substances into the country.
Connected Entities
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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