Walberg Responds to DOJ's New Civil Asset Forfeiture Restrictions

Statement

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) responded today to Attorney General Eric Holder's announcement that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will restrict the government's ability to use federal structuring statute to seize property without a criminal charge. On January 27, Walberg and Senator Rand Paul introduced the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act, the most comprehensive forfeiture reform bill introduced since the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000. One of the key provisions in the FAIR Act would reform the federal structuring statute to protect innocent business owners from seizure.

"Like the DOJ's recent policy change regarding equitable sharing, today's announcement is another step in the right direction to curb the seizure of innocent property. However, for meaningful reform to take place it must be codified into law and address the entire practice of civil asset forfeiture. That's why Congress still needs to enact the FAIR Act to protect the due process and property rights of the American people," said Congressman Walberg.

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