CAST Act

This proposal requires the U.S. government to study expanding a South Florida–based anti-smuggling task force so it also fights the flow of illegal guns from the United States to the Caribbean. Within 180 days of becoming law, the Defense Department—working with State and Homeland Security—must send Congress a report on whether this expansion is doable, what it would cost, what resources are needed, and how it would affect staffing and teamwork with other agencies and Caribbean partners.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal security and law enforcement agencies, Caribbean partners, and communities harmed by gun trafficking.
• What changes: A required report on expanding the task force’s mission to target illegal gun smuggling to the Caribbean, including needed treaty or agreement changes, costs, staffing impacts, and coordination needs.
• When: The report is due within 180 days after the law takes effect.