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Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-2198| Senate 
| Updated: 6/26/2025
Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth

Democratic Senator

Illinois

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)

Armed Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act" significantly restricts the Department of Defense's authority to support civilian law enforcement, amending title 10, United States Code. It permits such support only in specific, overwhelming crisis situations, including humanitarian crises, natural disasters, public health emergencies, attacks on critical infrastructure, or domestic terrorist incidents . The President must provide a written justification to Congress explaining how civilian capabilities are being overwhelmed. Any military support is initially capped at 14 days , requiring a joint resolution of approval from Congress for any extension. This resolution follows an expedited legislative process in both chambers, ensuring timely congressional oversight. The bill also prohibits individuals from simultaneously serving in the Department of Defense and civilian law enforcement, with an exception for reservists who must recuse themselves from civilian duties when on active duty. Additionally, the Act broadens the scope of requirements for military and federal law enforcement personnel when assisting civil authorities. Crucially, it establishes a private right of action , allowing aggrieved persons, States, or local governments to file civil lawsuits against the Federal Government for violations, with courts able to award injunctive relief and damages.
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Timeline
Jun 26, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 26, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Dec 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-6533
Introduced in House
  • June 26, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 26, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.


  • December 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-6533
    Introduced in House

Armed Forces and National Security

Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-2198| Senate 
| Updated: 6/26/2025
The "Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act" significantly restricts the Department of Defense's authority to support civilian law enforcement, amending title 10, United States Code. It permits such support only in specific, overwhelming crisis situations, including humanitarian crises, natural disasters, public health emergencies, attacks on critical infrastructure, or domestic terrorist incidents . The President must provide a written justification to Congress explaining how civilian capabilities are being overwhelmed. Any military support is initially capped at 14 days , requiring a joint resolution of approval from Congress for any extension. This resolution follows an expedited legislative process in both chambers, ensuring timely congressional oversight. The bill also prohibits individuals from simultaneously serving in the Department of Defense and civilian law enforcement, with an exception for reservists who must recuse themselves from civilian duties when on active duty. Additionally, the Act broadens the scope of requirements for military and federal law enforcement personnel when assisting civil authorities. Crucially, it establishes a private right of action , allowing aggrieved persons, States, or local governments to file civil lawsuits against the Federal Government for violations, with courts able to award injunctive relief and damages.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 26, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 26, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Dec 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-6533
Introduced in House
  • June 26, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 26, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.


  • December 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-6533
    Introduced in House
Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth

Democratic Senator

Illinois

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)

Armed Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted