What does Preamble of Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act do?

This bill directs the President to submit a report to Congress regarding fugitives residing in other countries who are sought for extradition by the United States. The bill addresses related matters, though specifics are not detailed in this preamble.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act.

What does FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. of Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act do?

This section establishes findings related to extradition, defining it as the formal surrender of a person by one state to another. It notes that refusals by other nations to extradite fugitives impede the judicial process and undermine the rule of law. The United States has extradition treaties with over 100 nations and the European Union. The refusal of Portugal to extradite George Wright, convicted of murder, is cited as a concerning example. The section indicates that the refusal to extradite Wright is representative of broader issues with extradition policies. The purpose of the Act is to provide information to strengthen U.S. Government efforts to extradite fugitives.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding interactions with foreign officials. It directs U.S. ambassadors and senior officials to prioritize advocating for the fulfillment of U.S. extradition requests during meetings with foreign officials. The section specifically mentions the extradition of George Wright, described as an escaped convict and the murderer of Walter Patterson of New Jersey, as an example of a request to prioritize.

What does REPORT. of Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act do?

This section mandates the President to submit a report to congressional committees. The report must be submitted within 270 days of the Act's enactment and then every 12 months thereafter. The report must include information on fugitives sought by the United States for extradition or rendition, including the number of fugitives, the countries they reside in, and diplomatic efforts to secure their return. The report must also detail the average length of time these cases have been outstanding, the number resolved, and factors hindering resolution. Additionally, the report must include information on U.S. citizens whose extradition has been sought by other countries in the past five years. The report is to be submitted in unclassified form, with a possible classified annex. “appropriate congressional committees” are defined as the House and Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary.

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Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act

Last updated: 6/8/2026 · Introduced: 6/8/2026

Author: Christopher Smith (R-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill directs the President to submit annual reports to Congress detailing efforts to extradite fugitives sought by the United States, including the number of fugitives, their locations, and factors hindering extradition.
The bill urges U.S. ambassadors and senior officials to prioritize advocating for U.S. extradition requests during meetings with foreign officials, citing the case of George Wright as an example.
The Act establishes findings and purpose related to extradition, highlighting concerns about refusals by other nations to extradite fugitives and aiming to strengthen U.S. Government efforts in this area.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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