Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB713

Introduced

2/1/23

Refer

2/1/23

Refer

2/8/23

Caption

Declaring War on the Cartels Act of 2023

Impact

The enactment of HB 713 is expected to significantly affect how the U.S. government handles transnational crime, particularly by allowing for increased penalties for offenses associated with drug trafficking and organized crime. The bill proposes that involvement in cartel activities can enhance sentences by up to 20 years for certain offenses, which may deter participation in these criminal networks. Additionally, the legislation proposes asset forfeiture provisions that would funnel seized funds back into enforcing agencies, specifically allocating funds to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

Summary

House Bill 713, titled the 'Declaring War on the Cartels Act of 2023', aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities to combat transnational criminal cartels. The bill establishes strict penalties for individuals involved in cartel activities and improves coordination among federal agencies and foreign governments in curbing these organizations' influence. It addresses issues related to immigration laws, making members of transnational cartels and their family members inadmissible to the U.S., thereby expanding legal grounds for deportation and exclusion related to these activities.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its aggressive approach to diminishing cartel power, it has also raised concerns among human rights advocates and immigration reform activists. Critics argue that the bill could lead to unnecessary deportations and heightened racial profiling, as it expands the criteria for inadmissibility based on associations. Furthermore, the financial penalties levied on institutions failing to comply with cartel-related regulations are viewed as potentially burdensome, raising questions about the balance between rigorous law enforcement and the economic impacts on legitimate businesses. Ultimately, the debate centers on finding effective measures to combat organized crime without infringing on individual rights or overwhelming the legal frameworks that govern immigration and business operations.

Latest HB713 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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