Tim Walberg: “In recent years, we have seen a growing number of instances where the government has confiscated private property from…”

“In recent years, we have seen a growing number of instances where the government has confiscated private property from citizens and small businesses without any criminal conviction, or even criminal charges. Under current civil forfeiture law, the system is ripe for abuse, and has undermined the constitutional rights of far too many Americans. In response, 24 States and the District of Columbia have adopted reforms to their forfeiture laws. However, through a practice known as adoptive seizures, Federal agencies, like the Department of Justice, can circumvent State and local laws to continue this practice. In July, the Department of Justice announced a continuation and expansion of civil forfeiture, reversing a previous ban on adoptive seizures. My bipartisan amendment, introduced with Representatives Cohen, McClintock, and Ellison, would prohibit funds for the DOJ to implement this expansion. Our amendment is also supported by a broad and diverse coalition of organizations, including the American Conservative Union, the Institute for Justice, the NAACP, and the ACLU. Today's vote takes an important step in halting the practice of adoptive seizures, protecting the rights of States and localities, and limiting some future abuses. Ultimately, this amendment is a starting point, and we can't stop here.…”