Bill · H.R. 5853· House(119-HR-5853)
To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to increase the civil penalties that may be imposed under such Act.
- Introduced
- 10/28/2025
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Keith Self
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill proposes amendments to the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. The primary goal is to increase the civil penalties that can be imposed under that Act. Specifically, it seeks to raise a flat penalty amount from $300,000 to $1,200,000. It also aims to increase a transaction-based penalty from twice the value of the transaction to four times the value. These changes would apply to violations committed on or after the date this Act is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+3
The increased penalties serve as a stronger deterrent against illegal export activities that could affect trade integrity.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands the federal government's ability to punish violators by significantly increasing civil penalty amounts.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+2
Stronger penalties for export control violations help protect sensitive technologies that could be used in cyber warfare.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill increases the financial risk and potential liabilities for businesses that violate export control regulations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Penalty Amounts: Under Section 1, the bill increases the civil penalty from $300,000 to $1,200,000, which increases the financial penalty for violations of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018.
-
Increased Transaction-Based Penalties: Section 1 also changes the penalty from twice the value of the transaction to four times the value of the transaction, increasing the cost for violators.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Higher Financial Burdens for Violators: According to Section 1, individuals or entities found in violation of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 or its associated regulations may face significantly higher civil penalties, such as $1,200,000 or four times the value of the transaction.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2Improves International Trade+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- 4/22/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- 4/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/28/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
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.
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Michael McCaulRepublican · Texas