This bill establishes a new task force within the Department of Justice's Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes, including smuggling, customs evasion, tariff fraud, and money laundering connected to illegal imports and exports. The task force must be created within 120 days of funding becoming available and will be staffed with new criminal prosecutors and support personnel to handle cases that cross multiple jurisdictions and coordinate with other federal agencies like the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The bill authorizes $20 million in funding for fiscal year 2025, with at least 80 percent dedicated to the Criminal Division for salaries, training, and enforcement operations. The Attorney General must submit annual reports to Congress detailing the number of trade crimes charged and indicted, how appropriated funds were spent, and any additional funding needs. The legislation aims to strengthen enforcement against foreign smuggling operations, counterfeiting, and other illegal trade activities that harm American workers and businesses.
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