U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) on Thursday filed legislation that would empower President Donald Trump to issue letters of marque and reprisal, allowing privately armed and equipped individuals and organizations to confront criminal cartels.
According to a press release from Burchett’s office, the Cartel Marque and Reprisal Reauthorization Act of 2025 would give the Trump administration authority, “to commission privately armed and equipped actors to seize the persons and property of any cartel, cartel member, or cartel-linked organizations,” in a move the representative said offers a new opportunity to confront crime at the southern border.
“They push millions of dollars in fentanyl into our country with no regard for American lives. It’s time to get creative about how we face these threats,” stated Burchett. “These cartels present a serious risk to our national security, and this bill would authorize President Trump to commission Americans to help defend our homeland.”
