What does Preamble of Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require a report on countering the smuggling of hydrocarbon products by transnational criminal organizations, and for other purposes,' requires a report on countering the smuggling of hydrocarbon products by transnational criminal organizations. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 14, 2026, by Mr. Cornyn and Ms. Rosen.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act'.

What does FINDINGS. of Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the theft and smuggling of crude oil and refined petroleum products from Mexico's state-owned energy company, Pemex. Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations, including CJNG, Sinaloa Cartel, and others, are engaged in large-scale fuel theft operations involving pipeline taps, refinery raids, and tanker truck hijackings. Fuel theft is identified as the most significant non-drug illicit revenue source for Mexico-based cartels, generating billions of dollars in lost revenue for the Mexican government. Approximately 987,000,000 liters of fuel were stolen in 2024, nearly three times the volume stolen in 2019. Cartels are utilizing various methods to smuggle stolen fuel across the southwest border of the United States, often mislabeling shipments. The Department of the Treasury has sanctioned numerous individuals and entities linked to CJNG fuel theft networks. The Department of State has designated several cartels, including CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The Department of Defense's existing counterdrug surveillance capabilities are considered directly applicable to detecting and monitoring the illicit movement of stolen hydrocarbon products.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the theft and trafficking of petroleum products by Mexico-based criminal organizations. Congress views this theft and trafficking as a significant threat to U.S. national security and public safety. The U.S. Government should prioritize addressing the trafficking of stolen hydrocarbon products within its counterdrug and counter-transnational organized crime strategies.

What does REPORT ON COUNTERING CARTEL HYDROCARBON SMUGGLING. of Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The report must detail activities of the Department of Defense, under section 284 of title 10 or other authorities, aimed at denying, disrupting, or degrading transnational criminal organizations involved in hydrocarbon theft and smuggling. The report must also include recommendations for future activities, including capacity building with partner nations (section 333 of title 10), information sharing, assessments of criminal networks, and other non-kinetic activities. The report must assess the resources used to conduct the described activities. The term 'hydrocarbon products' is defined as crude oil classified under heading 2709.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, including unprocessed crude petroleum oils and related substances.

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Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: John Cornyn (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates a report from the Secretary of Defense detailing how the Department of Defense is working to counter transnational criminal organizations involved in hydrocarbon theft and smuggling.
The bill identifies the theft and trafficking of petroleum products by Mexico-based cartels as a significant threat to U.S. national security and public safety.
The report required by the bill must include recommendations for future activities, such as capacity building with partner nations and information sharing, to address this issue.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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

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