Bill · S. 1185· Senate(119-S-1185)
FIGHTING for America Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/27/2025
- Last activity
- 3/27/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Ron Wyden
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "FIGHTING for America Act of 2025," aims to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase transparency regarding low-value shipments that seek duty exemptions. It addresses concerns regarding the increased volume of these imports, specifically targeting the smuggling of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The legislation empowers the Secretary of the Treasury to require more detailed documentation for these shipments, including seller identities and specific product descriptions. It also establishes new civil penalties for violations and limits which types of articles can qualify for these exemptions. Additionally, it introduces a new customs user fee for processing these specific shipments.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+6
The bill specifically targets the interdiction of fentanyl and other illicit drugs smuggled through de minimis shipments.
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
Enhancing documentation and oversight aids in the interdiction of illicit goods at the border.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates regular reports to Congress to increase oversight of the de minimis exemption use.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Importers face new fees, higher documentation burdens, and increased risk of penalties/forfeiture.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
Implements summary forfeiture and rapid deadlines for responding to detained merchandise.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
Increased fees and documentation requirements may affect the cost and ease of direct-to-consumer low-value goods.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Interdiction of Illicit Goods: By enhancing documentation requirements, the bill aims to better protect the United States from the smuggling of fentanyl, other illicit drugs, and related material (Section 2; Section 3).
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Increased Transparency: The bill requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for providing more detailed information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which helps determine the admissibility and eligibility of articles (Section 4).
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Revenue Protection: The new rules and requirements are designed to help protect the revenue of the United States and ensure a level playing field for United States workers (Section 2; Section 4).
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Enhanced Oversight: The Act mandates regular reports to Congress regarding the volume of exemptions used, revenue lost, and enforcement actions taken, providing better oversight of the system (Section 7; Section 12).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Financial Burdens on Importers: The bill introduces a $2 fee for each shipment that qualifies for the administrative exemption, to be paid by the party making the entry (Section 11).
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Increased Civil Penalties: New penalties are established for violating regulations, with fines reaching up to $1,000 for a first violation and $5,000 for subsequent violations, as well as higher penalties for fraud (Section 4).
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Increased Documentation Burdens: Importers may be required to provide more specific information, such as the 10-digit statistical reporting number, a specific description of the article, and documentation regarding the identity of sellers and the fair retail value (Section 4).
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Risk of Merchandise Forfeiture: The bill allows for the summary forfeiture of certain merchandise, where title to the goods vests immediately in the United States (Section 8).
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Potential for Abandoned Merchandise: For detained merchandise, if an interested party does not respond within 15 days of notice, the merchandise is deemed abandoned and title passes to the United States (Section 6).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+2Good For Business Owners-3Good For Low Income Households-2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Intellectual Property Fairness+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process-3Improves Privacy Rights-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade-2
- 3/27/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate