STOP MADNESS Act
STOP MADNESS Act
Plain Language Summary
# STOP MADNESS Act Summary **What It Does:** The STOP MADNESS Act would give the President authority to impose economic sanctions against foreign countries or individuals that either refuse to take back their own citizens who entered the U.S. illegally, or actively help people illegally immigrate to America. The sanctions would follow the same rules as other national security-related economic penalties. The President could skip these sanctions if they believe doing so is in the national interest. **Who It Affects:** The bill targets foreign governments and individuals abroad who the President determines are obstructing deportations or facilitating illegal immigration.
Indirectly, it could affect U.S. immigration enforcement and international relations with countries involved in these activities. Violations would carry criminal and civil penalties. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Stifling Transnational Operations and Proliferators by Mitigating Activities that Drive Narcotics, Exploitation, and Smuggling Sanctions Act or the STOP MADNESS ActThis bill allows the President to impose sanctions on (1) foreign governments the President determines knowingly refuse or obstruct U.S. efforts to repatriate its citizens who have unlawfully entered the United States, and (2) foreign governments or foreign persons the President determines knowingly facilitate unlawful immigration into the United States.The President may waive sanctions if the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States.If a person violates this bill, criminal and civil penalties applicable to violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) apply.To carry out the bill, the President may exercise authorities under the IEEPA.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.