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Congress·In Committee

Congress Proposes Treating Organized Rioting as Federal Racketeering Crime

To amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity.

8 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill would change federal law to include rioting in the definition of "racketeering." This would put rioting in the same legal category as serious organized crimes like bribery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.
  • By making rioting a racketeering activity, the government could use the RICO Act to prosecute entire organizations. This means leaders of a group could face charges for riots carried out by their members, even if the leaders were not physically present at the event.
  • The policy targets people who travel across state lines or use the internet to organize, promote, or participate in a riot. It is designed to give law enforcement more tools to stop groups that are accused of using violence during protests to achieve their goals.
  • If a group is found guilty of a pattern of racketeering that includes rioting, they could face severe penalties. These include up to 20 years in prison per count and the government could seize any property or money linked to the activity.
Criminal JusticeCivil Rights

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jul 22, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jul 22, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

3 articles
Houston Chronicle·7 months ago

Ted Cruz pushes legislation to use RICO to target activist groups

Senator Ted Cruz introduced a bill to add 'rioting' to the RICO Act, allowing prosecutors to charge activist groups and their funders as criminal enterprises. The bill follows protests against ICE raids and is viewed by critics as a way to target political organizers.

CL=
The Center Square·7 months ago

Congressional Republicans introduce bill targeting riot funders

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Republican colleagues introduced the Stop FUNDERs Act to hold financiers of rioters accountable. The bill amends federal law to include rioting as a racketeering predicate, enabling the DOJ to use RICO tools like asset forfeiture against coordinating entities.

CR=
Fox News·6 months ago

Cruz doubles down against groups funding protests; FBI Director backs bill during hearing

Senator Ted Cruz urged the DOJ to 'follow the money' behind violent protests, citing the Stop FUNDERs Act. During a Senate hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel agreed that adding rioting to RICO predicate offenses would provide law enforcement with necessary tools to dismantle criminal networks.

R+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity.

Bill NumberHR 4620
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(62)
R: 62

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.