US HB1238

Authorizes the President to issue letters of marque and reprisal to privately armed persons and entities to seize cartel members, cartel-linked organization members, and associated conspirators outside U.S. boundaries

Targets individuals responsible for acts of aggression against the United States who are connected to cartels designated under the January 20, 2025 executive order or classified as transnational criminal organizations under 21 U.S.C. 2341(5)

Requires recipients of letters of marque to post a security bond in an amount determined by the President to ensure compliance with the letter's terms and conditions

Invokes Congress's constitutional authority under Article I, Section 8 to grant letters of marque and reprisal, a power historically used to authorize private parties to engage in combat operations

Introduced February 12, 2025 by Rep. Burchett and Rep. Messmer, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs