Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HJR18

Introduced
1/12/23  

Caption

AUMF CARTEL Influence Resolution Authorization for the Use of Military Force to Combat, Attack, Resist, Target, Eliminate, and Limit Influence Resolution

Impact

If enacted, HJR18 would grant the President broad authority to act against foreign entities responsible for drug trafficking and violence that affects U.S. territories. The resolution allows military action against those who have violated the Controlled Substances Act, and it specifically targets organizations that engage in violence against U.S. law enforcement. This will potentially reshape U.S. foreign policy regarding military engagement and drug trafficking, underlining national security concerns regarding border stability and public health due to the opioid crisis.

Summary

HJR18, known as the Authorization for the Use of Military Force to Combat, Attack, Resist, Target, Eliminate, and Limit Influence Resolution, seeks to empower the President of the United States to use military force against foreign organizations and individuals involved in the trafficking of fentanyl and related substances into the U.S. This resolution acknowledges the significant death toll associated with fentanyl use in the United States, highlighting that approximately 80,000 Americans die annually from fentanyl overdoses, with a particular emphasis on young men aged 18 to 45. The bill is a legislative response to the increasing violence and destabilization attributed to armed cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel in the Western Hemisphere.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HJR18, particularly regarding the implications of military intervention in drug-related issues. Critics may argue that military force might not address the root causes of drug trafficking and could lead to further violence and destabilization in affected regions. The resolution also raises concerns about the extension of military power, with opponents emphasizing the importance of diplomatic measures over military solutions. Additionally, the provision that authorizes the use of force against foreign entities may provoke tensions with sovereign nations should such actions be misinterpreted or deemed aggressive.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HJR52

Authorization for Use of Military Force Resolution of 2023

US HJR81

Authorizing the use of military force against certain Mexican cartels.

US SR97

A resolution expressing concern about economic and security conditions in Mexico and reaffirming the interest of the United States in mutually beneficial relations with Mexico based on shared interests on security, economic prosperity, and democratic values, and for other purposes.

US HB597

Stop the Cartels Act

US HJR95

Declaring a state of war between certain cartels and the United States of America and making provision to prosecute the same.

US HB9393

Foreign Political Influence Elimination Act of 2024

US SR242

Urge Congress designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations

US HB1157

Countering the PRC Malign Influence Fund Authorization Act of 2023

US HR1048

To Call On The United States Government To Declare Fentanyl To Be A Weapon Of Mass Destruction And To Designate The Mexican Drug Cartels As Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

US HB488

Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025

Similar Bills

CA AB1673

California Fentanyl Abuse Task Force.

CA SB19

Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force.

CA AB33

Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force.

CA AB3224

California Fentanyl Abuse Task Force.

CA AB675

Controlled substances.

CA AB3171

Controlled substances: fentanyl.

CA AB2341

Criminal procedure: sentencing credits.

CA SB325

Controlled substances: fentanyl.