Currency Usage Tax Act
DRAFT BILL
A BILL To establish a uniform excise tax on final beneficial settlement of United States currency within domestic jurisdiction, to provide for institutional withholding and remittance, to establish bounded rate parameters, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Currency Usage Tax Act of 2026” or the “CUT Act.” SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.(1) Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress authority to lay and collect taxes.
(2) Federal debt will reach $50 trillion by 2030 if tax reform is not enacted.
(3) Modern economic activity is conducted through high-volume settlement systems that process aggregate United States dollar funding flows measured in trillions of dollars daily.
(4) A uniform excise tax applied to final beneficial settlement of United States currency reduces distortion relative to income-based taxation.
(5) Institutional withholding at settlement ensures enforceability and minimizes compliance burden.
(6) A statutory maximum rate limitation protects against excessive taxation.
(b) Purpose. This Act establishes a uniform excise tax on final beneficial settlement of United States currency within domestic jurisdiction, administered through institutional withholding, with rate adjustments limited between one-half of one percent and one percent. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.(1) “Currency” means United States legal tender, deposit liabilities denominated in United States dollars, digital representations of United States dollars, tokenized dollar instruments, and any monetary instrument settled in United States dollars.
(2) “Taxable event” means the final settlement of a transaction resulting in transfer of beneficial ownership of Currency to a final recipient within domestic jurisdiction.
(3) “Final recipient” means the natural person or legal entity receiving Currency for its own economic use or benefit and not solely in a custodial, clearing, liquidity, intermediary, nominee, or collateral capacity.
SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF TAX. A uniform excise tax is imposed upon each taxable event. Only the final beneficial recipient bears the economic burden. Intermediary routing, clearing, reserve balancing, collateral pledges, and liquidity adjustments do not constitute taxable events. SEC. 5. RATE OF TAX.(a) The Currency Usage Tax shall not exceed 1 percent.
(b) The Currency Usage Tax shall not be reduced below 0.5 percent.
(c) Congress may not increase the statutory maximum rate of 1 percent for a period of 10 years following enactment.
(d) The applicable rate shall remain adjustable between 0.5 percent and 1 percent pursuant to Section 6.
SEC. 6. RATE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM.(a) The Secretary of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall jointly review the applicable rate semiannually.
(b) Adjustments shall be formula-driven based upon inflation, real economic growth, revenue stability, and systemic financial stability indicators.
(c) Any adjustment shall be published in the Federal Register and take effect 60 days after publication.
(d) Artificial intelligence systems operated by the Federal Monitoring Service may provide economic analysis but shall not independently establish or modify tax rates.
SEC. 7. WITHHOLDING AND REMITTANCE.(a) The financial institution initiating settlement shall apply the taxable amount from 0.5 percent to 1 percent as assigned pursuant to Section 6, withhold the applicable amount from the payout to the final recipient, and remit such amount to the Federal Monitoring Service.
(b) Reporting requirements shall be prescribed by regulation.
(c) Civil enforcement authority shall rest with the Federal Monitoring Service within the Department of the Treasury. Criminal enforcement authority shall remain exclusively with the Department of Justice.
SEC. 8. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected. SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect at the beginning of the first fiscal year following enactment.
Federal Monitoring Service Act
DRAFT BILL
A BILL To establish the Federal Monitoring Service as the statutory successor to the Internal Revenue Service, to provide for a phased transition of federal revenue administration, to modernize federal fiscal oversight, to condition full operational authority upon enactment of a Currency Usage Tax, to preserve criminal enforcement authority within the Department of Justice, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Federal Monitoring Service Act of 2026.” SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND AUTHORITY. (a) Findings.(1) Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes. (2) Congress possesses authority under the Necessary and Proper Clause to structure and modernize federal revenue administration. (3) Effective oversight of federal revenue requires modern auditing, technological safeguards, and structured enforcement mechanisms. (4) Separation of administrative oversight and criminal prosecution promotes due process and constitutional integrity. (5) Gradual transition of revenue institutions ensures continuity of government operations and protects federal fiscal stability. (6) Any restructuring of federal revenue systems must preserve judicial review and constitutional protections.
(b) Authority. This Act is enacted pursuant to Article I, Sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERAL MONITORING SERVICE. (a) There is established within the Department of the Treasury the Federal Monitoring Service (FMS). (b) The FMS shall be the statutory successor to the Internal Revenue Service. (c) The FMS shall be headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of six years. SEC. 4. PHASED TRANSITION AND IRS SUNSET. (a) Upon enactment, all authorities, personnel, records, and functions of the Internal Revenue Service shall be transferred to the FMS. (b) For Fiscal Year 2026, the FMS shall operate concurrently with existing tax systems. (c) For Fiscal Year 2027, transitional integration of technological systems and personnel realignment shall occur. (d) Not later than the end of Fiscal Year 2028, the Internal Revenue Service shall be formally dissolved. (e) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to interrupt, delay, or impair the lawful collection of federal revenue during the transition period. SEC. 5. CONDITIONAL ACTIVATION UPON CURRENCY USAGE TAX ENACTMENT. (a) Prior to enactment of a Currency Usage Tax, the FMS shall administer federal revenue under existing law. (b) Upon enactment of a Currency Usage Tax, the FMS shall assume full authority to administer, collect, distribute, and audit revenue under such tax. (c) Congress expressly declares that full operational authority of the FMS is contingent upon express statutory enactment of the Currency Usage Tax. SEC. 6. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE FMS. The FMS shall: (1) Administer federal revenue laws assigned by statute; (2) Conduct audits of federal agencies and federal fund recipients; (3) Investigate fraud, waste, and abuse involving federal revenue; (4) Issue administrative subpoenas subject to judicial enforcement; (5) Maintain secure technological and monitoring systems; (6) Refer criminal violations to the Department of Justice. SEC. 7. CIVIL ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. (a) The FMS may bring civil actions in United States district court to recover improperly disbursed federal funds, seek injunctive relief, restitution, disgorgement, and civil penalties expressly authorized by statute. (b) No civil monetary penalty shall be imposed except pursuant to adjudication in an Article III court. Jury trial rights shall be preserved where constitutionally required. (c) The FMS shall not impose final monetary penalties through internal administrative tribunals. (d) All final agency actions shall be subject to review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code. SEC. 8. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FEDERAL DISBURSEMENTS. (a) The Director may temporarily suspend federal disbursements only upon probable cause of material fraud or unlawful diversion and where continued payment risks irreparable loss. (b) Written findings shall specify statutory authority, factual basis, and scope. (c) Notice shall be provided within 7 days, with opportunity to respond within 14 days. (d) Suspension shall not exceed 45 days unless extended by federal court order. (e) Expedited judicial review shall be available. SEC. 9. SEPARATION OF CRIMINAL AUTHORITY. (a) The FMS shall have no authority to initiate criminal prosecution. (b) Suspected criminal violations shall be referred to the Department of Justice. (c) Nothing herein limits prosecutorial discretion of the Attorney General. SEC. 10. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNANCE. (1) No enforcement action shall be based solely on automated output without human review. (2) The FMS shall maintain documented model governance standards. (3) Annual independent AI audits shall be submitted to Congress. (4) All enforcement determinations must be explainable and auditable. SEC. 11. APPOINTMENTS AND OFFICERS. The Chief AI Officer, Chief Auditor, and Chief Information Security Officer shall be appointed as inferior officers consistent with the Appointments Clause. SEC. 12. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected. SEC. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect upon enactment, except as otherwise provided.
State Management System Act
DRAFT BILL
A BILLTo establish a voluntary State Management System for administration of federally integrated fiscal programs, to provide for cooperative federal–state implementation, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “State Management System Act of 2026.”
SEC. 2. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.
(1) Efficient administration of public funds requires secure, unified, and transparent operational systems.
(2) Fragmented agency structures increase administrative cost and fraud risk.
(3) Advances in automation and analytical artificial intelligence enable improved accuracy and auditability.
(4) States retain sovereign authority over treasury operations.
(5) Cooperative federal–state implementation ensures constitutional compliance.
(b) Purpose.This Act establishes a voluntary State Management System to administer federally integrated fiscal programs while preserving state sovereignty, due process, and transparency.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
(1) “State Management System” or “SMS” means a treasury-based administrative system established by a participating state.
(2) “Federal Monitoring Fund” or “FMF” means the federal entity responsible for oversight and allocation.
(3) “Participating State” means a state that elects to opt into the SMS program.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
(a) A participating state may establish an SMS within its treasury.
(b) Participation is voluntary and initiated by formal notice to the FMF.
(c) FMF shall provide training, operational guidance, and technical assistance.
SEC. 5. POWERS AND DUTIES.
(a) Administer state-level benefit programs.
(b) Execute payments and maintain audit-ready records.
(c) Coordinate reporting with the FMF.
SEC. 6. AUTOMATION AND DUE PROCESS.
(a) Automation and artificial intelligence may assist execution and auditing.
(b) No automated system may deny benefits without human review.
(c) Due process protections shall be preserved.
SEC. 7. FEDERAL INTEGRATION AND FUNDING.
(a) FMF shall provide funding assistance and systems integration.
(b) Integration shall include FMF-to-SMS AI neural network interoperability.
SEC. 8. STATE TRUST FUNDS.
(a) FMF shall publish recommended trust fund categories.
(b) States retain discretion over trust fund establishment.
SEC. 9. DATA SECURITY AND PRIVACY.
(a) Systems shall employ zero-trust architecture and encryption.
(b) Data collection shall be minimized and auditable.
SEC. 10. AUDITS AND OVERSIGHT.
(a) Annual forensic audits shall be conducted.
(b) AI-based anomaly detection may assist audits.
SEC. 11. GOVERNANCE.
(a) Each state shall appoint a Chief AI Officer.
(b) Annual reports shall be submitted to the legislature.
SEC. 12. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected.
SEC. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect upon enactment. SMS operations shall commence in the first fiscal year following enactment.
Amendment to the Real ID Act
DRAFT BILL
A BILL To amend the REAL ID Act of 2005 to require a standardized non-citizen voting-ineligibility designation for purposes of Federal elections, to provide voluntary financial assistance to States electing to adopt parallel standards for State elections, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Amendment to the Real ID Act of 2026.” SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND AUTHORITY. (a) Findings.(1) Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution grants Congress authority to regulate the times, places, and manner of Federal elections.
(2) Federal law limits eligibility to vote in Federal elections to citizens of the United States.
(3) The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act establishes documentary proof of citizenship requirements for Federal voter registration.
(4) State-issued photographic identification documents are commonly presented in connection with Federal election administration.
(5) The REAL ID Act of 2005 conditions Federal acceptance of State-issued identification documents on compliance with Federal standards for Federal purposes.
(6) Clear and uniform identification standards further legitimate Federal interests in election administration and documentary clarity.
(b) Authority. This Act is enacted pursuant to Congress’s authority under Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution and its authority to condition Federal acceptance of State-issued identification documents for Federal purposes. SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO THE REAL ID ACT OF 2005. Section 202 of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. 30301 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: </p“(m) Non-Citizen Voting-Ineligibility Designation for Federal Election Purposes.
(1) Condition on Federal Acceptance in Connection With Federal Elections.
For purposes of identification in connection with voter registration or voting in a Federal election, a State-issued driver’s license or identification card issued to an individual who is not a citizen of the United States shall be considered compliant with this section only if such identification bears the designation required under this subsection.
(2) Required Designation.
(A) Front-Side Visual Indicator.
(i) A red capital letter ‘V’; (ii) Displayed on a blue circular background; and (iii) Positioned adjacent to or in reasonable proximity to the REAL ID compliance marking required under this section, in a manner that preserves document integrity and anti-counterfeiting features.
(B) Back-Side Informational Statement.
The reverse side of the identification document shall include, beneath the signature block or in a comparable location, the statement:
“Not Valid for Federal Voting Purposes.”(3) Limited Effect.
The designation required under this subsection shall be construed solely as an informational notice that the document does not establish United States citizenship and may not be used as proof of eligibility to vote in a Federal election.
(4) Uniform Application.
A State shall apply the designation required under this subsection uniformly to all individuals who are not citizens of the United States, without regard to race, ethnicity, nationality, or immigration classification.
(5) Limitation.
(A) Regulate State or local elections; (B) Alter voter qualification standards established under Federal law; (C) Regulate immigration status; (D) Create a national identification card; or (E) Authorize the creation of a Federal database of identification holders.
(6) Implementation Timeline.
(A) Not later than 12 months after enactment, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue final regulations specifying minimum size, color contrast, and placement standards sufficient to ensure visibility and uniformity while preserving existing security features.
(B) Not later than 24 months after issuance of final regulations, each State seeking continued Federal acceptance of identification documents under this section shall implement the requirements of this subsection for newly issued and renewed identification documents.(7) Existing Identification Documents.
Nothing in this subsection shall require confiscation or immediate replacement of identification documents issued prior to the implementation date. Compliance may occur upon renewal or reissuance in the ordinary course of business.
(8) Enforcement.
Failure of a State to comply with this subsection may result in suspension of Federal acceptance of the State’s identification documents for purposes described in paragraph (1), consistent with this section.”
SEC. 4. VOLUNTARY STATE PARTICIPATION AND REIMBURSEMENT INCENTIVE. (a) Baseline Reimbursement. Funds authorized under this Act shall be available to reimburse States for reasonable and documented administrative costs incurred in implementing section 202(m) for Federal election purposes. (b) Enhanced Reimbursement. In addition to reimbursement under subsection (a), a State shall be eligible for enhanced reimbursement if the State legislature voluntarily enacts and implements a substantially similar informational designation requirement in connection with the administration of State elections. (c) Voluntary Nature.(1) Require a State to regulate State elections; (2) Compel State officers to administer Federal programs; or (3) Condition Federal acceptance for Federal purposes upon regulation of State elections.
(d) Spending Clause Clarification. Reimbursement under subsection (b) is voluntary and offered pursuant to Congress’s authority to provide financial assistance in furtherance of uniform identification standards related to Federal election administration. (e) Funding Limitation. No reimbursement shall exceed reasonable and documented administrative costs. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. SEC. 6. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act or amendment made by this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected. SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect upon enactment.
Asylum and Immigration Access Act
DRAFT BILL
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Asylum and Immigration Access Act of 2026.”
SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Congressional Findings.
(1) Large-scale unlawful migration has overwhelmed asylum adjudication, undermined public confidence, and impaired the ability of immigration courts to provide timely due process.
(2) The United States has a compelling sovereign interest in restoring orderly, lawful, and humane immigration processing.
(3) Voluntary departure programs are constitutionally permissible, statutorily authorized, and historically effective tools of immigration enforcement and compliance.
(4) Congress possesses plenary authority under Article I of the Constitution to condition eligibility for immigration benefits on lawful procedures, voluntary compliance, and satisfaction of statutory penalties.
(5) International law prohibits refoulement but does not require asylum adjudication to occur within the territorial United States.
(6) United States embassies and consulates abroad provide secure, controlled environments suitable for screening, vetting, and investigation of asylum, immigration, and visa requests.
(7) Asylum and humanitarian protection requests may be required by law to be initiated at United States embassies and consulates abroad, with adjudication conducted by United States immigration courts through secure proceedings, including video conference where appropriate.
(8) Certain immigration benefits are adjudicated administratively by consular officers at embassies and consulates abroad.
(b) Purpose.
(1) Require that asylum and immigration applications be initiated outside the United States;
(2) Incentivize voluntary departure through guaranteed access to embassy-based processing;
(3) Preserve constitutional due process and treaty obligations; and
(4) Restore integrity to the asylum system without coercive removal.
SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Voluntary Departure.
Has the meaning given in section 240B of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1229c), as modified by this Act.
(b) Designated Processing State.
A foreign state designated by the Secretary of State in which an applicant may safely remain and which provides protection consistent with United States non-refoulement obligations.
(c) Embassy Processing.
All intake, registration, interview, investigation, and evidentiary development conducted at a United States embassy or consulate abroad prior to adjudication by the appropriate administrative or judicial authority.
(d) Registry Activation.
The formal commencement of adjudication following completion of statutory eligibility conditions.
SECTION 4. VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE WITH EMBASSY ACCESS PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall establish a Voluntary Departure with Embassy Access Program (VDEAP).
(b) Embassy Application Registry.
(1) Applicants are queued strictly by date of in-person embassy registration; and
(2) No adjudication shall occur prior to registry activation.
(c) Eligibility Condition.
Any alien unlawfully present who seeks asylum or discretionary immigration benefits shall voluntarily depart and apply through embassy processing.
(d) Locations for Application.
(1) A United States embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of nationality; or
(2) A designated processing state.
(e) Embassy Processing Guarantee.
(1) Placement on the Embassy Application Registry;
(2) Guaranteed interview and adjudication; and
(3) Subject to all statutory vetting and eligibility standards.
SECTION 5. FUTURE ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS.
(a) Prospective Limitation.
Applications for asylum or discretionary immigration benefits shall be initiated exclusively through embassy processing.
(b) Exceptions.
(1) Lawful permanent residents;
(2) Lawfully admitted immigrants; or
(3) Individuals paroled for urgent humanitarian reasons.
SECTION 6. AMENDMENT TO INA § 208.
(a) Amendment.
Section 208(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to read:
“An alien may apply for asylum only by initiating an application through procedures conducted at United States embassies or consulates abroad.”
(b) Savings Clause.
Nothing in this Act authorizes removal in violation of the Convention Against Torture or section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
SECTION 7. CONSEQUENCES OF UNLAWFUL REENTRY.
Any alien who unlawfully reenters after voluntary departure shall be permanently inadmissible and barred from discretionary benefits.
SECTION 8. FINES, PENALTIES, AND BENEFIT REPAYMENT.
(a) Waiver Upon Voluntary Departure.
An alien who voluntarily departs shall not be subject to enforcement of civil penalties solely for unlawful presence.
(b) Enforcement Upon Refusal.
An alien who refuses voluntary departure remains subject to all applicable penalties.
(c) Condition of Status Grant.
(1) All lawfully imposed federal fines are satisfied; and
(2) Any unlawfully received means-tested federal public benefits are repaid.
SECTION 9. INTERVIEW, INVESTIGATION, AND CONSENT.
Applicants shall appear in person, surrender fraudulent documents, consent to recorded proceedings, and cooperate with lawful investigation.
SECTION 10. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
Final determinations shall be rendered by United States Immigration Judges through secure proceedings and completed as expeditiously as practicable.
SECTION 11. FAMILY AND CHILDREN.
Eligibility shall be determined individually.
SECTION 12. TREATY COMPLIANCE.
This Act shall be implemented consistent with international obligations and the principle of non-refoulement.
SECTION 13. IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect upon enactment and apply prospectively.
Judicial Review Accountability Act
DRAFT BILL
A BILL To establish a structured congressional review process following Supreme Court decisions invalidating Acts of Congress, to provide expedited legislative consideration procedures, and to propose a constitutional amendment relating to legislative response requirements. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Judicial Review Accountability Act of 2026.” TITLE I — STATUTORY CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW PROCESS SEC. 2. FINDINGS.(1) The Supreme Court possesses authority under Article III of the Constitution to interpret the Constitution and invalidate Acts of Congress.
(2) Congress retains authority under Article I to amend, replace, or decline to reenact statutes invalidated by judicial decision.
(3) Structured review promotes transparency and institutional accountability while preserving separation of powers.
(4) Nothing in this Act alters the constitutional authority of any branch of government.
SEC. 3. TRIGGERING EVENT.This title applies upon issuance of a final Supreme Court judgment that—
(1) Declares an Act of Congress unconstitutional in whole or in part; or
(2) Materially alters the operation of a federal statute through constitutional interpretation.
SEC. 4. AUTOMATIC TRANSMITTAL.Within 3 calendar days of issuance, the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall transmit the opinion to the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the committees of jurisdiction.
SEC. 5. MANDATORY REVIEW PROCESS.(1) Each committee of jurisdiction shall conduct at least one public hearing within 60 legislative days.
(2) Within 90 legislative days, each committee shall issue a written report stating whether legislative action is recommended and the constitutional basis for its determination.
(3) Within 120 legislative days, each House shall conduct a recorded vote on a bill addressing the decision or a resolution declining legislative modification.
(4) Nothing in this section requires enactment of legislation.
TITLE II — EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION PROCEDURES SEC. 6. EXPEDITED INTRODUCTION.Within 10 legislative days of the triggering event, the committee chair shall introduce a bill addressing the Supreme Court decision.
SEC. 7. PRIVILEGED STATUS.(1) The bill shall receive committee markup within 30 legislative days.
(2) The bill shall be eligible for calendar placement and up to 10 hours of floor debate, equally divided.
(3) Deadlines may be waived by a two-thirds vote of the chamber.
SEC. 8. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.This title is enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House and Senate, with full recognition of each chamber’s constitutional authority to change its rules at any time.
TITLE III — PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT SEC. 9. PROPOSAL.Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution:
Section 1. If the Supreme Court declares an Act of Congress unconstitutional in whole or in part, Congress shall, within 180 days, enact legislation modifying, replacing, or repealing the affected provisions.
Section 2. If Congress fails to enact legislation within such period, the invalidated provision may not be reenacted in substantially similar form except by a vote of two-thirds of each House.
Section 3. Nothing in this Article alters the authority of the Supreme Court under Article III or the presentment requirements of Article I.
Section 4. Congress shall have power to enforce this Article by appropriate legislation.
SEC. 10. RATIFICATION.The proposed amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from submission.
SEC. 11. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected. SEC. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect upon enactment.
National Tactical Unit Certification and Liability Reduction Act
DRAFT BILL
A BILL To establish uniform national training and certification standards for tactical law enforcement units through cooperative federalism, to reduce civil liability exposure, protect constitutional rights, and improve public safety.Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “National Tactical Unit Certification and Liability Reduction Act of 2026.”
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.
(1) There are approximately 19,000 Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies operating in the United States.
(2) A substantial number of such agencies maintain Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Special Reaction Teams (SRT), Emergency Response Teams (ERT), or equivalent tactical units.
(3) Tactical operations involve heightened risks to civilians and officers.
(4) Documented incidents have occurred in which tactical deployments were executed at incorrect addresses or without adequate verification procedures, resulting in injury or death of innocent civilians.
(5) Civil actions arising from alleged constitutional violations, excessive force, and wrongful raids result in significant financial liability to Federal, State, and local governments.
(6) Public reporting and municipal disclosures indicate that nationwide civil settlements and judgments arising from law enforcement misconduct exceed $1.5 billion annually, funded by taxpayers.
(7) Uniform training and certification standards can reduce risk exposure, improve constitutional compliance, and protect both officers and civilians.
(8) Congress possesses authority under Article I of the Constitution, including the Spending Clause and Commerce Clause, to condition federal law enforcement assistance funds on compliance with national training standards.
(9) Cooperative federalism frameworks preserve State sovereignty while advancing compelling public safety and fiscal interests.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.(1) “Tactical Unit” means any law enforcement unit designated as SWAT, SRT, ERT, Special Operations Team, or equivalent entity trained and equipped for high-risk warrant service, hostage rescue, barricaded subject response, or dynamic entry.
(2) “Primary State Law Enforcement Agency” means the principal statewide law enforcement authority designated by the Governor of a State.
(3) “Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Funds” include Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, COPS grants, Department of Homeland Security preparedness grants, and any substantially similar federal program providing direct law enforcement funding.
SEC. 4. FEDERAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.(a) Not later than 18 months after enactment, the Attorney General shall develop uniform training and certification standards applicable to all Federal Tactical Units.
(b) No Federal Tactical Unit may conduct high-risk warrant or dynamic entry operations unless certified pursuant to such standards.
SEC. 5. FBI NATIONAL TACTICAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.(a) The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall establish a National Tactical Certification Program available to States.
(b) Participation by States shall be voluntary and conditioned upon receipt of Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Funds.
(c) To remain eligible for full Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Funds, a State shall ensure its Primary State Law Enforcement Agency obtains certification and implements a State-level certification framework consistent with FBI standards.
(d) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require a State or its officers to administer a federal regulatory program.
SEC. 6. STATE CERTIFICATION FRAMEWORK.(a) A participating State shall require certification of all Tactical Units operating within the State, including those operated by counties, cities, towns, and municipalities.
(b) Certification shall apply to Tactical Units operating in municipalities with populations under 10,000 or comprised primarily of reserve or part-time officers.
(c) A State may authorize a certified county-level Tactical Unit to train and certify municipal Tactical Units within that county, subject to oversight by the Primary State Law Enforcement Agency.
SEC. 7. MINIMUM TRAINING ELEMENTS.Standards shall include address verification procedures, supervisory warrant validation, de-escalation requirements, use-of-force decision matrices, civilian risk mitigation planning, body-worn camera activation requirements, and annual recertification.
SEC. 8. CIVIL LIABILITY RISK REDUCTION INCENTIVE.(a) Compliance with certification standards may be considered as evidence of good-faith training efforts in federal civil rights litigation, consistent with existing law.
(b) Nothing in this Act creates immunity from liability or limits remedies available under federal law.
SEC. 9. REPORTING AND FUNDING CONSEQUENCES.(a) Participating States shall submit annual certification compliance reports.
(b) Failure to maintain compliance may result in proportional withholding of Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Funds, not to exceed 10 percent in any fiscal year.
SEC. 10. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected.SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect 180 days after enactment.