Bill
HR 1238
The Cartel Marque Act authorizes the President to commission private entities to seize cartel members and assets, expanding executive powers to combat criminal cartels.
The Cartel Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would authorize the President to issue letters of marque and reprisal against individuals associated with criminal cartels.
Key Provisions:
- Grants the President authority to commission private entities to "employ all means reasonably necessary" to seize the "person and property" of cartel members, cartel-linked individuals, or cartel conspirators responsible for acts of aggression against the United States.
- Requires the posting of security bonds by those issued letters of marque and reprisal to ensure compliance with the terms of the letters.
- Defines "cartel" as an organization described in an executive order designating certain groups as foreign terrorist organizations or transnational criminal organizations.
Purpose and Intent:
The bill aims to provide the President with expanded powers to target and punish individuals associated with criminal cartels that present a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. By authorizing the use of privately armed entities through letters of marque and reprisal, the legislation seeks to deter and prevent acts of aggression by cartel members and their associates.
Potential Impact:
If enacted, this bill would significantly expand the President's authority to take action against cartel-linked individuals and organizations, potentially leading to increased use of private military contractors or bounty hunters to carry out such operations abroad. The legislation raises concerns about oversight, accountability, and the potential for abuse of these expanded executive powers.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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