House Appropriators Propose Tenfold Increase for DOJ Trade-Fraud Enforcement

The FY2026 appropriations agreement (opens in a new tab) set aside at least $2 million for DOJ's Trade Fraud Task Force. For FY2027, House appropriators (opens in a new tab) have recommended at least $20 million—a tenfold increase and a welcome recognition of the seriousness of trade crime. The larger amount is a committee proposal, not enacted funding.

Even $20 million is modest against the scale of unpaid duties and damage to lawful American businesses. But funding is only a start. DOJ must develop specialized prosecutors, investigative methods and sustained support for U.S. Attorneys' Offices, rather than treating customs fraud as occasional general fraud work.

Congress should back this commitment with the Trade Crimes Act (opens in a new tab), which would establish a durable mandate. The test will be cases pursued, violations stopped and money actually recovered—not the amount appropriated.