Bills · HR 488
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 488Fraud offenses and financial crimesFirearms and explosives
Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
6
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses how powerful criminal organizations, often involved in serious crimes like drug and human trafficking, are increasingly using everyday online platforms to operate and find new members. If this bill becomes law, the government would be required to specifically investigate and then create a plan to fight back against these digital tactics, which could potentially reduce the spread of illegal activities and protect vulnerable individuals from recruitment.
Without this bill, federal agencies might continue their efforts against these organizations, but there would not be a mandated, coordinated national assessment and strategy specifically focused on their online activities. This bill ensures a concentrated effort to understand and combat a growing digital threat that impacts border security, public safety, and the well-being of communities affected by drug and human trafficking.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Department of Homeland Security, Attorney General, and Department of State to submit a joint assessment within 180 days, detailing how transnational criminal organizations use online services for recruitment and illicit activities in the U.S. and near its borders.
This creates a mandated, comprehensive understanding of a significant national security and public safety threat.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the same agencies to develop and submit a "National Strategy to Combat Illicit Recruitment Activity by Transnational Criminal Organizations on Social Media and Online Platforms" within one year.
This establishes a structured, interagency approach to address the problem identified in the assessment.
PROVISION 03
Defines "covered services" broadly to include social media platforms, mobile messaging services, multiplayer gaming services, and immersive technology platforms used by criminal organizations.
This ensures the strategy addresses the full range of online spaces where criminal recruitment and activities occur.
PROVISION 04
Specifies a range of "illicit activities" including narcotics, weapons, migrant, and human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering, which are the focus of the bill's strategy.
This clearly outlines the serious criminal behaviors the government intends to combat through this legislation.
PROVISION 05
Requires the national strategy to include proposals to improve cooperation among various federal government and law enforcement entities.
This aims to enhance the effectiveness of government efforts by fostering better coordination against complex transnational threats.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
R· Arizona
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
32
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 6 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJAN 16
Introduced in House
JAN 16
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
JAN 16
Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 488
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 16, 2025
Last actionJan 16, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 16, 2025
House BillHR 488Fraud offenses and financial crimesFirearms and explosives
Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 16, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 16, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
