Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 5, 2026
Bottom line
This bill provides statutory authorization and direction for the existing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program, emphasizing its proven multi-agency enforcement model and setting a future expiration date for the authorization.
What it actually does
This bill formally authorizes and structures the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the United States. It mandates a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement, requires a report on the task forces' successes, and includes a sunset clause for the Act on January 20, 2029.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that formally authorizing the OCDETF program provides a clear statutory basis for its operations, reinforcing its highly effective prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach. They highlight OCDETF's proven track record, significant asset seizures, and high return on investment in combating transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, asserting that this bill ensures its continued success and accountability.
Opponents contend
No explicit opposition is articulated in the bill text or readily apparent against the formal authorization of an existing, successful program like OCDETF. Potential critics might raise general concerns about the scope of federal law enforcement power or the efficiency of multi-agency task forces, or the implications of the sunset clause, but these are not specific to this bill's stated purpose of codifying an established program.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions well within any typical review period.
Section 1
Short Title: 'Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act'
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the 'Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act.' This title is used for easy reference and citation of the legislation once it becomes law.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that establishing a clear short title is standard legislative practice, making the Act easily identifiable and referencable for all stakeholders.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the short title of a bill, as it is a procedural element for identification.
Tradeoffs
None, this is a standard procedural provision.
Section 2
Congressional Findings on OCDETF Effectiveness
This section outlines Congress's findings regarding the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). It details the program's establishment in 1982, its structure as the largest anti-crime task force, its nationwide strategy, and its high return on investment, including specific figures for cash and property seizures in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. These findings serve as the legislative justification for the bill.
Section 3
Definitions of Key Terms
This section defines several key terms used throughout the Act to ensure clarity and consistent interpretation. It specifies 'covered agency' to include the Departments of the Treasury, Homeland Security, Labor, State, and the United States Postal Service. It also defines 'OCDETF' as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, 'OFC' as the OCDETF Fusion Center, and 'Task Forces' as the interagency task force established under Section 4.
Section 4(a)
Authorization and Structure of the Interagency Task Force
This provision directs the Attorney General, acting through the Director of OCDETF and in coordination with other Department of Justice agencies (like the Drug Enforcement Administration) and specified 'covered agencies,' to structure the OCDETF. The purpose of this structure is to combat transnational organized crime and reduce illicit narcotics in the United States, utilizing a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. This formally codifies the operational model of the existing OCDETF program.
Section 4(b)
Joint Report on Task Force Successes
This provision mandates that within one year of the Act's enactment, the Attorney General, through the Director of OCDETF, in conjunction with the heads of each 'covered agency,' must submit a joint report to specific Congressional committees. This report is to detail the successes of the Task Forces. It also stipulates that the report should be submitted in unclassified form to the greatest extent possible, with a classified annex only if necessary, and the unclassified portion must be posted on the public websites of the Department of Justice and each covered agency.
Section 5
Sunset Clause for the Act
This section stipulates that the entire Act, the 'Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act,' will cease to have any force or effect after January 20, 2029. This means that the statutory authorization and directives provided by this bill will expire on that date unless Congress takes further action to reauthorize or extend them.