Bill · H.J.Res. 81· House(119-HJRES-81)
Authorizing the use of military force against certain Mexican cartels.
- Introduced
- 3/24/2025
- Last activity
- 3/24/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- W. Steube
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution authorizes the President to use the United States Armed Forces against specific Mexican cartels. The text identifies several groups, including the Sinaloa Cartel and MS-13, as entities that have engaged in terrorism and drug smuggling. It cites the opioid overdose epidemic and human trafficking as major threats to the American people. The resolution claims these cartels have violated the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United States. According to the text, the Government of Mexico has shown an inability or lack of willingness to dismantle these groups. Finally, the bill seeks to eliminate the operational capacity of these cartels through military force.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this give the federal government more power?+7
The bill expands presidential authority to deploy military force against non-state actors.
Does this tighten control of the border?+6
The bill targets cartels that facilitate illicit movement and human trafficking across borders.
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?+5
The bill treats specific cartels as terrorist entities requiring military intervention.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?-5
The bill authorizes new military operations, which likely increases defense spending.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?-5
The unilateral use of force against entities in Mexico may strain diplomatic relations with the Mexican government.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?-5
The resolution emphasizes military force over diplomatic cooperation with the Mexican government.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Elimination of Cartel Operational Capacity: The bill authorizes the President to use the Armed Forces to eliminate the operational capacity of covered cartels, which the text states have engaged in terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking (Section 1(a)).
-
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: The resolution aims to target cartels that have smuggled cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, contributing to a death rate of more than 110,000 per year at the height of the Biden Administration (Whereas clauses).
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Protection Against Human Trafficking: By targeting the specified cartels, the bill seeks to disrupt human trafficking networks that facilitate the sexual exploitation of women and children (Whereas clauses).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Use of Military Force: The resolution authorizes the President to use the Armed Forces against covered cartels, their affiliated forces, and any successor organizations (Section 1(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement-5Improves International Alliances-5Reduces Military Spending-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+7Improves Due Process-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+4Good For Children+3Good For Immigrants-4
- 10/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/8/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/24/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama
Troy NehlsRepublican · Texas
Derrick Van OrdenRepublican · Wisconsin