Senate bill would add rioting to federal racketeering crime list
In committeeS. 2376Latest action
Sponsor: Ted Cruz · Senator · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity.
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 2376 would let prosecutors charge riot participants under RICO organized crime laws, raising potential penalties.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 2376 would add rioting to the list of crimes that qualify as racketeering activity under federal law. This would not change the definition of rioting itself, but would allow prosecutors to use RICO tools, such as charging multiple people together as part of a criminal enterprise and seeking higher penalties. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it needs approval before advancing.
Who does it affect?
The bill would most directly affect people charged with participating in riots, as well as those accused of organizing, funding, or encouraging riot activity. Protest organizers and groups could also be affected, since RICO laws can be used to target organizations, not just individuals.
Why does it matter?
Adding rioting to racketeering statutes would give prosecutors broader tools to connect individuals to groups accused of organizing or funding riots. Civil liberties advocates and law enforcement would both likely see significant changes in how riot-related cases are investigated and prosecuted.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 22, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jul 22, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.