Criminal Justice

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5337: Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026

The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens who are facing removal from the United States. The bill removes time limits on detention during removal proceedings and allows for indefinite detention after a final order is issued if specific conditions, such as national security threats or public safety risks, are certified by government officials. It restricts access to bond hearings for many detainees, requiring them instead to prove they are not flight risks or community threats through clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the legislation establishes administrative review processes that permit detention beyond standard removal periods if an individual fails to cooperate with deportation efforts or poses a continuing danger.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill expands detention authority, removes time limits, and restricts bond hearings, which limits due process rights within the criminal justice system.75% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationThe bill expands detention authority, removes time limits on detention, and restricts bond access, significantly limiting immigrant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 4, 2026

S 5228: STOP the SWAMP Act

The STOP the SWAMP Act modifies congressional rules to impose stricter penalties on witnesses who refuse to answer questions or commit perjury during federal investigations. Under the new provisions, such individuals would face misdemeanor charges, potential jail time, and automatic debarment from future federal employment. Additionally, the bill creates a streamlined process allowing members of Congress to quickly pass resolutions cutting the salary and expenses of federal employees who violate these rules. These measures aim to increase accountability for witnesses by ensuring they face immediate consequences for non-compliance or dishonesty.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens integrity of federal investigations by penalizing perjury and obstruction, which supports fair judicial processes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5192: Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2026

The Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2026 requires the Transportation Security Administration to create a dedicated role called a Trafficking Survivor Point of Contact at airports nationwide. This position is designed to help nonprofit organizations that assist human trafficking victims navigate security screenings and travel procedures for individuals who lack proper identification documents. Under the bill, these contacts would work with service providers to verify identities in a trauma-informed manner, accompany survivors through security checkpoints, and waive specific identity verification fees. The law also mandates that the TSA publish online information about these services and ensures that designated contacts receive training on human trafficking and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aids trafficking survivors, a vulnerable group often impacted by criminal justice failures, by improving access to services and travel.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates a dedicated role to assist trafficking survivors, many of whom lack proper ID, navigating security screenings and travel procedures, thereby providing essential services and protection.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates TSA to create a dedicated role to assist trafficking survivors with airport security and travel procedures, enhancing accessibility and safety for vulnerable travelers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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in committee · United States · House Jul 2, 2026

HR 9576: National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026

This bill creates a new National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice to lead efforts against fraud targeting the federal government, federally funded programs, and American citizens. The division will be headed by an Assistant Attorney General appointed by the President and Senate, who will oversee complex investigations, guide local prosecutors, and coordinate with other federal agencies to stop organized fraud schemes. Additionally, the leader of this new unit will set national enforcement priorities and suggest legal or regulatory changes to fix systemic weaknesses that allow fraud to occur.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement by creating a new division to combat fraud, enhancing the justice system's ability to protect citizens and federal programs.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 4775: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by immediately dismissing any lawsuits currently pending against them that allege harm caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of their products. The bill defines these protected cases as those where the injury resulted from a third party's illegal actions rather than a defect in the product itself, while explicitly excluding claims involving negligent entrustment, specific federal violations, or design defects. To enforce these protections, the law allows defendants to remove such cases from state courts to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately. Additionally, the legislation preempts state and local laws that attempt to hold these companies liable for product misuse and provides for attorney's fees for defendants who successfully assert their immunity.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill limits civil liability for firearm manufacturers regarding third-party misuse, reducing accountability for public safety harms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jun 11, 2026

HR 9298: Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

This bill, known as the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act, expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by strengthening their immunity from civil lawsuits. It requires courts to immediately dismiss any pending cases against these companies that are based on the criminal or unlawful misuse of a gun by a third party, while also clarifying that sellers are not liable for negligence in entrusting products to others. The legislation further restricts who can file such suits by prohibiting foreign governments from bringing these claims and adding a specific exception for victims under the age of 17, though it maintains immunity for cases involving design or manufacturing defects. Additionally, the bill allows companies to move these cases to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately, along with the ability to recover legal fees if they win. Finally, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on these entities for the same types of misuse-related harms.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil liability for gun misuse, limiting accountability and reducing remedies for victims of criminal violence.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 4671: Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026

The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminal penalties for firearm violations, restricting due process and enhancing punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8955: Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act

The Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act prohibits the use of federal funds to pay claims submitted to the Anti-Weaponization Fund. This fund was established by the Department of Justice on May 18, 2026, and the bill specifically bars any money from being used for these payments. The legislation directly affects the Department of Justice and any individuals or entities seeking reimbursement from this specific fund. By restricting funding sources, the bill aims to prevent taxpayer money from being spent on claims directed to this newly created entity.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill restricts the use of federal funds for specific claims, effectively limiting government spending and defunding a designated program.85% confidence ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts funding for the Anti-Weaponization Fund, a DOJ initiative, thereby limiting resources for criminal justice reform efforts.90% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · United States · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8601: Veterans Protection from Fraud Act of 2026

The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act of 2026 strengthens federal penalties for crimes targeting veterans of any age. It achieves this by amending the U.S. Code to explicitly include "targeted veterans" as a specific category of victims for certain offenses. This legislative change ensures that fraud or crimes directed at veterans are treated with the same legal severity as those committed against other protected groups. The bill directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and the veterans community by closing a potential gap in how such crimes are classified and punished.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens federal penalties for crimes targeting veterans, enhancing legal severity and protecting a specific group.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill strengthens federal penalties for crimes targeting veterans, explicitly protecting them from fraud and ensuring legal severity matches other protected groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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in committee · United States · House May 13, 2026

HR 8774: Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act

This bill, known as the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act, directs the Department of Homeland Security to allow funding for upgrading law enforcement vehicles with security features like bulletproof windows. By amending an existing law, it expands the types of vehicle enhancements that can be financed with current federal assistance programs. The change specifically authorizes the use of these funds for protective upgrades without creating new budgetary requirements. Law enforcement agencies that receive federal financial assistance would be the primary beneficiaries of this expanded eligibility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds protective upgrades for law enforcement vehicles, enhancing officer safety and operational effectiveness within the criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances law enforcement vehicle safety through federal funding, aligning with transportation safety improvements.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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