Explanation of H.R. 3244

This bill is aimed at addressing the issue of money laundering related to illicit fentanyl and narcotics financing, particularly involving entities outside of the United States. It gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to take special measures against such entities to prevent these illicit activities.

Section 2: GAO Study on Mexican Cartels

This section requires a study to be conducted on the implications of designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. It looks into the potential benefits and risks of such a designation in combating the fentanyl crisis.

Section 3: Determination on Money Laundering Concern

If the Secretary of the Treasury identifies certain financial institutions or transactions outside the U.S. as primary concerns for money laundering linked to illicit fentanyl and narcotics financing, they can require domestic financial institutions to take special measures to address this issue.

Section 4: Trade-based Money Laundering Advisory

This section mandates the issuance of an advisory to financial institutions on identifying Chinese professional money laundering facilitating the trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Section 5: Treatment of Transnational Criminal Organizations

Requires guidance for U.S. financial institutions on reporting suspicious transactions related to suspected narcotics trafficking by transnational criminal organizations. It also prioritizes research into reports indicating links to drug trafficking and mandates a briefing to Congress on the effectiveness of the guidance.

Rep. Michael Lawler

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