WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the New Authorities Reforming Counter-Narcotic Operations (NARCO) Act of 2025. This bill codifies recent reforms to the U.S. State Department by placing the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) under the International Security (T) family at State Department. The NARCO Act also implements elements of the President’s 2026 budget request, codifying reforms to Bureau programming.

“The NARCO Act of 2025 will modernize our approach to combatting international crime by ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and that our efforts are focused on dismantling criminal organizations that threaten our security,” said Rep. Davidson (R-OH).  “This legislation is a major step toward aligning our national security strategy with efforts to combat cartels, the fentanyl crisis, illegal immigration, and other transnational threats. This bill reflects a bold vision—one that puts national security and law enforcement effectiveness at the heart of our foreign policy.”

Background:

The NARCO Act will strengthen INL’s mission and codify key reforms that are in line with strategic U.S. security priorities. Key provisions include:

• Sunset ineffective nation-building programs by capping justice capacity-building efforts at no more than 10% of the Bureau’s budget.
• Codify Transnational Organized Crime and Narcotics Rewards Programs, requiring a minimum of 20% of the Bureau’s budget to be allocated toward rewarding successful interdictions, dismantling of cartels, and the capture of major criminals.
• Prioritize efforts to counter criminal activities that enable terrorist organizations, including narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, and illicit financing.
• Expand INL’s mandate to include combating illegal immigration and human smuggling by leveraging its expertise to support border security efforts.
• Enhance coordination with key agencies—such as the Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community—to implement a whole-of-government strategy.
• Strengthen oversight and accountability through the creation of a searchable database of Bureau programs, expenditures, and success metrics to promote transparency and responsible use of taxpayer funds.