Bill · H.R. 2826· House(119-HR-2826)
CAST Act
- Introduced
- 4/10/2025
- Last activity
- 4/10/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Caribbean Anti-Smuggling of Trafficked Arms Act," or "CAST Act," requires a report to be submitted to Congress. The Secretary of Defense, working with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and other necessary agencies, must provide this report within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The report must evaluate the feasibility of expanding the Joint Interagency Taskforce South's mission to fight illegal firearms trafficking from the U.S. to the Caribbean. It will also cover necessary legal adjustments, costs, force depletion, and coordination efforts with various law enforcement agencies.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+3
The bill focuses on combatting the illegal trafficking of firearms into the Caribbean.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The bill promotes increased coordination with international and regional law enforcement.
Does this tighten control of the border?+2
Expanding the mission to combat arms smuggling enhances security at borders and maritime routes.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?-2
The proposal to expand the mission of a military task force would likely increase spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill requires a report on the costs of expanding resources, which implies potential new government spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The act contemplates an expansion of a military task force, which would likely increase spending.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Combatting Arms Trafficking: The bill seeks to evaluate expanding the mission of the Joint Interagency Taskforce South to combat illicit arms trafficking in the Caribbean region (Section 2(a)(1)). This could lead to fewer illegal firearms being smuggled out of the United States.
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Improved Law Enforcement Coordination: The bill requires an assessment of additional coordination efforts between the Joint Interagency Taskforce South and international, regional, Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies (Section 2(a)(5)). This could result in better cooperation to stop smuggling.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Force Depletion: The bill requires a report on force depletion (Section 2(a)(4)). This indicates that expanding the mission could potentially reduce the number of available forces for other duties.
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Financial Cost: The bill requires a report on the cost of additional resources needed for the expansion (Section 2(a)(3)). This implies that taxpayer funds would be required to provide these additional resources.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+3Improves Border Security+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2Reduces Military Spending-2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1Increases Federal Power+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners-1
- 4/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Wesley BellDemocrat · Missouri