Barry Moore Introduces Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act
Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL6) is one of numerous supporters of the bill, which makes federal prosecution of carjacking cases easier
U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-AL1) introduced the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act today, calling for a major change in how federal prosecutors handle violent carjacking cases. He was joined by Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and David Kustoff (R-TN). Meanwhile, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has filed a companion bill in the Senate.
Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL6) is one of numerous supporters of the bill.
Under existing law—set out in 18 U.S.C. § 2119–federal prosecutors must prove that a carjacker intended to kill or seriously injure someone. That requirement, critics argue, has made many carjacking cases difficult to prosecute at the federal level. The new bill would eliminate that standard and instead require that the offender acted “knowingly.”
Moore said the change is long overdue: “Federal prosecutors shouldn’t have to read minds to put dangerous criminals behind bars,” he said. “I thank Reps. Cuellar and Kustoff for partnering with me…to[ remove a decades-old drafting error that has handcuffed law enforcement and emboldened offenders. Every American deserves to know they can drive to work, church, or school safely.”
Rep. Cuellar added, “I’m focused on the rise in violent crime that families are seeing across the country. I want to make sure law enforcement has the resources they need … and keep our communities safe.”
According to the bill’s text, it would:
- Strike the “intent to cause death or serious bodily harm” requirement from the law and replace it with “knowingly.”
- Retain enhanced penalties when a carjacker truly intended to kill or seriously harm someone and death results.
- Align federal law more closely with the carjacking laws most States use.
Supporters say this change would restore Congress’s original intent from the 1994 Crime Bill, which first raised federal penalties for carjacking.
The legislation already counts endorsements from major law-enforcement organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations, the National District Attorneys Association, and several Sheriffs and District Attorney conferences.
Moore’s bill was filed in the House on Nov. 19, 2025, and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The full text of the bill is available HERE.
