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Read. Follow. Verify.The PRESS Act (H.R. 7184)
Last action · July 15, 2026: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.Sponsors: Addison McDowell and 32 others
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What This Bill Would Do
The PRESS Act aims to stop the illegal importation of pill-making equipment and materials into the United States. It amends the Controlled Substances Act to make it a federal crime to manufacture or distribute pill presses, s, or related materials if the person knows or suspects these items will be used to create illegal drugs for import into the U.S.
This bill creates new federal criminal penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, for individuals involved in the supply chain of equipment used to manufacture illicit drugs intended for the U.S. market.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Manufacturers and distributors of industrial machinery
These entities face new legal restrictions and potential criminal liability for the distribution of equipment that could be used to manufacture illicit substances.
United States Sentencing Commission
The Commission is required to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines to incorporate the new penalties established by this bill.
Key Facts
- Makes it illegal to manufacture or distribute pill presses, encapsulating machines, die systems, or related chemicals if intended for the production of controlled substances for unlawful import into the U.S.
- Establishes a maximum prison sentence of 8 years for general violations involving pill-making equipment.
- Increases the maximum prison sentence to 15 years for violations involving more than 1,000 kilograms of chemicals or more than 100 machines.
- Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to update federal sentencing guidelines to align with these new provisions.
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- Amends Section 1009 and 1010 of the Controlled Substances Act to include these new prohibited acts.
- Applies extraterritorial jurisdiction, meaning these laws apply even if the manufacturing or distribution occurs outside the U.S., provided the intent is to import the resulting substances into the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
5 actions- Jul 15, 2026HouseForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Jul 15, 2026HouseSubcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jan 21, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Jan 21, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred 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, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced in House
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 →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. ”
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Expansion of Extraterritorial Reach
The bill explicitly extends U.S. drug manufacturing laws to cover the distribution of equipment abroad, provided there is intent to import the resulting substances into the U.S.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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