Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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 is known as the Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2025. It targets the distribution of opioids and other illegal goods using the dark web. The legislation makes it explicitly unlawful to knowingly deliver, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance through the dark web. It requires the United States Sentencing Commission to increase sentences for these offenses by 2 levels. Additionally, the bill establishes a Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Task Force within the Federal Bureau of Investigation to detect, disrupt, and dismantle illicit marketplaces. Finally, it mandates specific reports to Congress regarding task force activities and the use of virtual currencies.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +5
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?
The bill targets the dark web distribution of opioids to combat the substance abuse crisis.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill creates a new federal task force within the FBI with expanded jurisdiction.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill enhances forensic and cyberforensic capabilities to disrupt dark web marketplaces.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -3
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?
The bill mandates a 2-level increase in sentencing for dark web drug distribution crimes.
- Scored -2
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill increases federal sentencing guidelines and expands law enforcement task force authority.
- Scored -2
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
The bill establishes a task force with broad investigative and proactive powers targeting digital networks.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4: This section makes it illegal to deliver, distribute, or dispense controlled substances via the dark web and increases the sentencing guidelines by 2 levels. This provision could protect communities by imposing stricter punishments on those who fuel the substance abuse crisis through anonymous online channels.
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Section 5: This section establishes the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Task Force. By bringing together multiple agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Department of Homeland Security, this provision aims to proactively investigate and dismantle illicit marketplaces that sell dangerous drugs to the public.
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Section 6: This section requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to report to Congress on the use of virtual currencies in opioid distribution. This could benefit the public by helping authorities better understand how criminals finance these illegal operations and by improving efforts to detect money laundering.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 4: This section mandates a 2-level increase above the sentence otherwise applicable for individuals convicted of delivering or dispensing controlled substances via the dark web. While intended to crack down on crime, longer prison sentences impose heavy burdens on offenders and their families, and critics may argue that stiffer penalties do not always address the root causes of substance abuse.
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Section 5: This section creates a new federal task force and requires the appointment of a Director confirmed by the Senate, along with reporting requirements that last for 5 years. Expanding federal bureaucracy and interagency programs can carry high administrative costs and consume government resources that taxpayers fund.
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.
- Healthcare
- Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill targets the dark web distribution of opioids to combat the substance abuse crisis.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill mandates a 2-level increase in sentencing for dark web drug distribution crimes. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill increases federal sentencing guidelines and expands law enforcement task force authority.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill creates a new federal task force within the FBI with expanded jurisdiction. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates periodic reporting of task force activities to Congress.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill enhances forensic and cyberforensic capabilities to disrupt dark web marketplaces. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill emphasizes coordination with international law enforcement partners. Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — The bill establishes a task force with broad investigative and proactive powers targeting digital networks.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill targets the anonymity features of the dark web used for illicit transactions.
- 6/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John CornynRepublican · Texas