Overview
- Sen. Mike Lee introduced the Cartel Marque and Reprisal Reauthorization Act, with a House companion from Rep. Tim Burchett, framing it as a tool against fentanyl‑trafficking cartels.
- The proposal authorizes President Donald Trump to commission Americans under letters of marque to seize cartel property and persons on land or sea outside U.S. territory.
- Commissioned operators could employ “all means reasonably necessary,” with letters directed at individuals the president determines are cartel members or conspirators responsible for aggression against the United States.
- The text requires a security bond to be posted before any letter of marque is issued to ensure compliance with its terms.
- Coverage notes the United States has not issued such letters since the War of 1812 and raises international‑law concerns given historical abuses of privateering and later efforts to outlaw it.