Bill to Simplify Federal Criminal Code and Force Agencies to Count Crimes Advances
A bill that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal agencies to compile a comprehensive report detailing all federal statutes and regulations that entail criminal penalties, advanced in the House.
The Count the Crimes to Cut Act of 2025 (H.R. 2159) passed the House Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan basis and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Co-sponsor Chip Roy (R-TX) said simplifying the federal code is necessary because there are simply too many laws on the books that Americans are not aware of.
“Freedom is just an illusion when the government buries its own citizens under ridiculous and never-ending criminal laws. Almost any American could be indicted and charged from some crime, often without even knowing they had violated a law or regulation,” said Rep. Roy. “Congress must bring this bill to the floor to send to the President's desk and crack down on the overcriminalization at the hands of the federal government."
That position was echoed by co-sponsor Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA).
“With this bill, Americans will no longer have to fear being excessively punished and criminal justice professionals can better protect the public,” stated Rep. McBath.
Legislation Details
The bill would require DOJ and the leaders of federal agencies to compile a comprehensive report on all offenses that can lead to criminal penalties.
For each offense, the report is required to provide the following details:
The elements of each offense.
The potential penalties for each offense.
The number of prosecutions brought in the last 15 years for each offense.
The mens rea (criminal intent) required for each offense.
The legislation has support from various criminal justice organizations including Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the Due Process Institute, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the R Street Institute, and Right on Crime (ROC).
“Overcriminalization is a real and growing threat to our justice system, to the rule of law, and to individual freedom in this country,” said ROC Executive Director and former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman.