Bill > HR1869

This bill aims to strengthen the Department of Justice's ability to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes by establishing a new task force within the Criminal Division. The bill defines trade-related crimes broadly, encompassing violations related to duty evasion, import/export restrictions, and various criminal activities involving international trade. The legislation will create new positions for criminal trial attorneys specifically focused on trade crimes and require coordination with law enforcement, industry representatives, and other federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The task force will be responsible for increasing investigations into a wide range of trade-related criminal offenses, including financial fraud, smuggling, and violations of health and safety regulations. The bill authorizes $20 million for fiscal year 2026, with at least 80% dedicated to criminal prosecutions, and mandates an annual report to Congress detailing the volume of trade-related crime prosecutions, how funds were utilized, and estimated future funding needs. Importantly, the bill ensures that these new prosecutorial efforts do not preclude additional criminal or civil actions against trade-related violations, providing a comprehensive approach to combating international trade crimes.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1869/all-info