Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HJR95

Introduced
10/11/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, HJR95 would empower the President to employ the full military and naval resources of the United States to combat these cartels, marking a significant escalation in U.S. drug enforcement policy. The resolution emphasizes cooperation with the Mexican government while maintaining that the conflict is strictly with the cartels, which are depicted as violent, organized criminals responsible for rampant drug abuse and human trafficking across America. This approach underscores an aggressive stance towards eliminating the influence of these criminal organizations within U.S. borders.

Summary

HJR95 is a joint resolution that formally declares a state of war between the United States and several powerful Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. The resolution characterizes the influx of illegal border crossers and the activities of these cartels as a direct threat to national security. The declaration cites various alarming statistics, such as the approximate 300 daily deaths attributed to fentanyl and the substantial amounts of illegal drugs being smuggled into the country. The measure reflects a growing concern among some lawmakers regarding border security and the opioid crisis afflicting the nation.

Contention

Notably, the resolution has sparked debate regarding its implications for U.S.-Mexico relations, as some critics argue that declaring war against cartels could lead to unintended diplomatic consequences. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential militarization of drug enforcement and its impact on local communities. Skeptics have pointed out that a military response might not address the root causes of drug trafficking and addiction, suggesting that such a declaration could divert attention from comprehensive solutions, including rehabilitation and prevention programs, that are necessary to tackle the overarching opioid crisis.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HJR18

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

US HJR81

Authorizing the use of military force against certain Mexican cartels.

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 HR943

Calling for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine and the development of a "New Good Neighbor" policy in order to foster improved relations and deeper, more effective cooperation between the United States and our Latin American and Caribbean neighbors.

US HR50

Recognizing that article I, section 10 of the United States Constitution explicitly reserves to the States the sovereign power to repel an invasion and defend their citizenry from the overwhelming and "imminent danger" posed by paramilitary, narco-terrorist cartels, terrorists and criminal actors who have seized control of our southern border.

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 SR543

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate regarding the constitutional right of State Governors to repel the dangerous ongoing invasion across the United States southern border.

US HB8130

La Comisión de las Ocupaciónes Americanos Act Commission on the United States Occupations in the Americas Act

US HB597

Stop the Cartels Act

US HR0234

A resolution to urge the United States Secretary of State to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.