H.R. 1238: Cartel Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Cartel Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025, seeks to empower the President of the United States to take action against individuals and organizations identified as part of a cartel or involved in cartel-related activities. Here’s a summary of the key provisions of the bill:

Legal Authority

The bill is based on the fact that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the right to issue letters of marque and reprisal, which are essentially permissions to private individuals or groups to conduct operations against those who have committed acts of aggression against the United States. This bill specifically applies to actions by cartel members or affiliates.

Findings

Congress recognizes two significant points:

• Cartels are viewed as a unique and serious threat to the nation's security and foreign relations.
• There is a constitutional basis for taking actions against cartel-related aggression.

Presidential Authority

The bill authorizes the President to commission private individuals or entities to use armed force to capture cartels or their affiliates outside of the United States. This includes:

• Seizing individuals and property associated with acts of aggression against the U.S.
• Providing suitable instructions to those commissioned for the operations.

Security Bonds

Before issuing any letters of marque and reprisal, the President must require a security bond. The bond amount will be determined by the President and is intended to ensure that the directive is executed according to the established terms and conditions.

Definition of Cartel

The bill defines a "cartel" in two ways:

• As described in a specific executive order designating certain cartels and organizations as foreign terrorist organizations or specially designated global terrorists.
• As a transnational criminal organization, as defined in existing legal provisions.

Conclusion

In summary, this bill would enable the President to take aggressive actions against cartels by issuing letters of marque and reprisal, which could involve the use of privately hired armed individuals or organizations. The intention is to respond to and deter acts of aggression committed by such groups against the United States.

Relevant Companies

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