Bill · H.R. 4988· House(119-HR-4988)
Scam Farms Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 8/15/2025
- Last activity
- 8/15/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- David Schweikert
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Scam Farms Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025," gives the President authority to issue letters of marque and reprisal. These letters would allow privately armed and equipped persons or entities to take action against certain individuals or foreign governments. The target would be anyone the President determines is a member of a criminal enterprise or a conspirator involved in cybercrimes that act as an aggression against the United States. The authority allows for the seizure of persons and property outside of U.S. boundaries. This is intended to address threats from criminal enterprises involving cybercrimes and coerced labor.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+7
The bill authorizes the use of private entities to combat cybercrime threats like ransomware and cryptocurrency theft.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill targets cybercrimes such as identity theft and pig butchering scams that harm consumers.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+5
The bill targets individuals engaged in unauthorized access to obtain personally identifiable information.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Counteracting Economic and National Security Threats: The bill identifies that criminal enterprises using cybercrimes and coerced labor are an unusual and extraordinary threat to the economic and national security of the United States (Section 2).
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Targeting Cybercrime: The President can authorize private entities to seize the person and property of those involved in various cybercrimes, including pig butchering scams, ransomware attacks, cryptocurrency theft, and identity theft (Section 3(a), Section 3(c)(1)).
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Addressing Aggression: The authority allows for actions against those responsible for acts of aggression against the United States (Section 3(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Requirement of Security Bonds: The President must require the posting of a security bond in an amount they determine is sufficient to ensure the letter is executed according to its terms (Section 3(b)).
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Seizure of Property and Persons: The bill allows for the seizure of the person and property of individuals or foreign governments outside of the geographic boundaries of the United States and its territories (Section 3(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
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+7Improves International Trade+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- 8/15/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House