Jefferson Shreve (R-IN)
Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act," requires the Secretary of State to create a strategy for United States security assistance to Mexico. The strategy must be submitted to relevant House and Senate committees within 180 days of enactment. It calls for a plan to dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other crimes. Additionally, the plan must focus on increasing the capacity of Mexico's military and public security institutions and strengthening civilian law enforcement and courts. The Act also requires an assessment of previous assistance under the Merida Initiative and a fraud risk assessment. Finally, the Secretary of State must provide annual updates and briefings on the strategy's progress.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +6
Does this tighten control of the border?
The bill directs a strategy to increase the capacity of Mexico's security institutions to secure its borders.
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill emphasizes bilateral cooperation mechanisms and engagements between the U.S. and Mexico.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires annual updates, briefings, and a fraud risk assessment for Department of State programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Dismantling Criminal Networks: The plan aims to dismantle transnational criminal networks that traffic fentanyl, engage in human trafficking, human smuggling, weapons trafficking, cybercrimes, and money laundering (Section 2(b)(1)(A)). This could benefit people by reducing the flow of illicit drugs and criminal activity into the United States.
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Improved Border Security: The strategy includes increasing the capacity of Mexico's military and public security institutions to improve security at northern and southern borders (Section 2(b)(1)(B)). This is intended to degrade transnational criminal organizations.
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Strengthening Rule of Law: The bill seeks to enhance the capacity of civilian law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts (Section 2(b)(1)(C)). This could help redress public corruption and combat impunity.
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Fraud Prevention: The requirement for a fraud risk assessment for Department of State programs aims to identify and manage inherent fraud risks (Section 2(b)(6)). This could ensure that assistance is used as intended.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text. The bill includes a rule of construction stating that nothing in the Act may be construed as an authorization for the use of military force against Mexico or any entity within Mexico (Section 2(f)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill emphasizes bilateral cooperation mechanisms and engagements between the U.S. and Mexico. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill mandates a new strategy for United States security assistance to Mexico. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — While not directly for veterans, the focus on security assistance is part of a broader national security strategy.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill directs a strategy to increase the capacity of Mexico's security institutions to secure its borders. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption may create more stable economic environments. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill's focus on combating human trafficking and smuggling may provide indirect protections for vulnerable populations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual updates, briefings, and a fraud risk assessment for Department of State programs.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Addressing human smuggling and trafficking may impact community safety for those in the region. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Reducing criminal network influence can lead to safer communities for low-income residents. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Dismantling criminal networks can improve safety in urban centers affected by trafficking.
- 11/7/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.