Summary of HR 2159 - Count the Crimes to Cut Act

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HR 2159
• Title: Count the Crimes to Cut Act
• Status: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary (H. Rept. 119-346)
• Introduced: March 14, 2025
• Primary Sponsor: Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX)
• Cosponsors: Keith Self, Andy Biggs, Lucy McBath, Steve Cohen

Purpose and Intent

The Count the Crimes to Cut Act aims to enhance transparency and accountability in federal criminal law by requiring comprehensive reporting on federal criminal offenses. The bill seeks to provide Congress and the public with detailed information about criminal statutory and regulatory offenses, including their potential penalties and prosecutorial history.

Key Provisions

1. Report on Federal Criminal Offenses:

   • The Attorney General must submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment, detailing:
     • A list of all criminal statutory offenses and their elements.
     • For each offense:
     • Potential criminal penalties.
     • Annual prosecution numbers for the past 15 years.
     • Mens rea (mental state) requirements.

2. Report on Criminal Regulatory Offenses:

   • Heads of specified federal agencies must report on:
     • All criminal regulatory offenses enforceable by their agency.
     • For each offense:
     • Potential penalties.
     • Annual violation referrals to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the past 15 years.
     • Mens rea requirements.

3. Publicly Accessible Index:

   • Within two years of enactment, the Attorney General and agency heads must establish publicly accessible indexes of all criminal statutory and regulatory offenses, available on their respective websites.

4. No New Appropriations Required:

   • The bill clarifies that it does not authorize new appropriations for its implementation.

Affected Entities

• Federal Agencies: The bill impacts numerous federal agencies, including but not limited to:

  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Justice
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Federal Trade Commission

• Congress: The bill provides Congress with essential data to evaluate and potentially reform federal criminal laws.

Procedural Timeline

• March 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• June 10, 2025: Ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute by voice vote; committee consideration and markup session held.
• October 17, 2025: Reported (amended) by the Committee on Judiciary and placed on the Union Calendar.

Conclusion

The Count the Crimes to Cut Act is a legislative effort to improve the understanding and management of federal criminal offenses. By mandating detailed reporting and public access to information, the bill aims to foster greater accountability in the enforcement of federal laws.