John Kennedy (R-LA)
A bill to amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to increase the civil penalties that may be imposed under that Act.
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 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 seeks to amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. The primary goal is to increase the civil penalties that can be imposed under that specific Act. It proposes raising a flat fine from $300,000 to $1,200,000. Additionally, it aims to increase the penalty based on transaction value from twice the value to four times the value. These changes would apply to violations committed on or after the date this Act is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands the government's enforcement capabilities by significantly increasing the civil penalties it can impose.
- Scored +2
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill increases penalties for export control violations, which can serve as a deterrent against illegal trade practices.
- Scored +2
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?
The bill increases the cost of violating export controls, which often apply to advanced technological goods.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill increases the potential financial liability for business owners who violate export control regulations.
- Scored -2
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?
The increase in transaction-based penalties may negatively impact high-value trade dealings for wealthy individuals or entities.
- Scored -2
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
Increased penalties for export violations may increase the regulatory burden and financial risk for companies engaged in international trade.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Higher Financial Penalties: By increasing the fine from $300,000 to $1,200,000, the bill increases the financial penalty for violations under Section 1 of subsection (a)(1).
-
Increased Transaction-Based Fines: The bill increases the penalty for certain violations from twice the value of the transaction to four times the value of the transaction under Section 1 of subsection (a)(2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Financial Burden for Violations: Because this bill increases both flat fines and transaction-based penalties, individuals or entities found in violation of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 or its associated regulations will face higher costs under Section 1.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill increases the potential financial liability for business owners who violate export control regulations. Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this? — The increase in transaction-based penalties may negatively impact high-value trade dealings for wealthy individuals or entities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the government's enforcement capabilities by significantly increasing the civil penalties it can impose.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill increases penalties for export control violations, which can serve as a deterrent against illegal trade practices.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The bill increases the cost of violating export controls, which often apply to advanced technological goods.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — Strengthening export control penalties can help prevent the unauthorized movement of controlled goods across borders.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Higher penalties for export violations may better protect sensitive technologies that are critical to national security and cybersecurity. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Increased penalties for export violations may increase the regulatory burden and financial risk for companies engaged in international trade.
- 6/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey