Sponsors (45)
The bill strengthens federal capacity to detect and prosecute complex trade crimes—improving consumer safety and national security—but does so by expanding enforcement authority and funding in ways that raise compliance costs, legal exposure for businesses, and ongoing taxpayer obligations.
Federal law enforcement (DOJ Criminal Division and partner components) will get dedicated personnel, training, and $20 million in targeted funding so they can investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes more effectively.
Importers, exporters, and compliant businesses gain clearer legal guidance because the bill creates a single statutory definition of trade evasion/smuggling/trade-based money laundering, reducing uncertainty about what conduct constitutes trade-related crimes.
Customs, DOJ, and international partners will have improved coordination, training, and technical assistance, helping detect and stop unsafe or illicit imports and disrupt cross-border criminal networks that harm commerce and consumer safety.
Importers, exporters, and small businesses face higher compliance and legal costs because expanded enforcement, heightened scrutiny, and broader definitions will force more audits, legal reviews, and potential defensive spending.
Businesses and individuals face greater criminal exposure and legal uncertainty because the bill's broad, cross-cutting definition and expansive phrasing could be applied widely, raising risks of overreach or uneven enforcement.
Taxpayers will bear higher federal spending (initial $20M and potential additional appropriations) to stand up and sustain the new enforcement structure, and recurring budgets may be expected if staffing proves necessary long-term.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Department of Justice Criminal Division task force and program to investigate and prosecute crimes that facilitate evasion of tariffs, duties, import/export restrictions, trade-based money laundering, and smuggling. It defines “trade-related crimes,” requires DOJ to hire and train prosecutors and support staff, coordinate with Homeland Security Investigations and Customs, and develop multijurisdictional partnerships. Requires annual reporting to congressional committees on enforcement activity, case statistics, and use of funds; sets a 120-day deadline after funding is available to stand up the new structure; and authorizes $20 million for FY2026 (with at least 80% dedicated to the Criminal Division) to support hiring, training, investigations, and prosecutions.
Introduced March 5, 2025 by Ashley Hinson · Last progress March 5, 2025