Count the Crimes to Cut Act
Sponsor
Chip Roy
Republican · TX-21
Latest Action · Dec 2, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill Progress
Congress Orders Full Count of Federal Crimes
Why it matters
This bill forces the government to reveal exactly how many ways feds can put you in jail.
The big picture: The U.S. criminal code is sprawling, especially after decades of new laws and buried regulations that can land people in federal court. Many lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, say Americans can't possibly know all the traps set by these laws—and it's hard to debate reforms if no one knows the real scope.
Zoom in: HR 2159 gives the Attorney General one year to deliver Congress a full, detailed list of every federal law and regulation that can be prosecuted as a crime. The report has to lay out the legal elements, penalties, and even how often each law is used in federal court over the past 15 years.
Between the lines: Critics argue it shouldn't take a special act of Congress just to find out how many federal crimes exist. Supporters claim this is a first step to rolling back outdated or overly broad laws that can ruin lives, often for technical violations most people never even knew were illegal. The bill has rare bipartisan support—co-sponsored by both progressive and conservative lawmakers.
What This Bill Does
Full Crime List Required
Orders the Attorney General to create a complete list of all federal crimes defined in U.S. law.
Report Elements and Penalties
Mandates that every crime is listed with its legal definition and the penalties people face for breaking it.
Covers Statutes and Regulations
Counts not just crimes created by Congress, but also those buried inside federal agency rules.
Tracks Prosecution History
Requires data on how often each crime has actually been prosecuted in the last 15 years.
Deadline for Delivery
Justice Department has one year to get the report to Congress after the bill passes.
Who Benefits
Everyday Americans
Raises awareness of obscure crimes people could be charged with, making the law more understandable.
Criminal Justice Reformers
Gives reform advocates the data they need to push for cleaner, simpler, fairer laws.
Lawmakers
Arms Congress with facts to debate which crimes are necessary or unnecessary.
Defense Lawyers
Helps attorneys better understand—and challenge—the scope of federal cases against their clients.
Who's Affected
Department of Justice
DOJ has to compile and publish an unprecedented, massive report.
Federal Agencies
Agencies must review which of their rules can result in criminal charges.
Individuals Facing Federal Charges
Could see more argument in court over whether some crimes should exist at all.
Congressional Committees
Must sift through a huge new dataset when evaluating future criminal justice bills.
Cosponsors (4)
Recent Actions
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4923)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4923)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2159.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4923-4926)
Mr. Roy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 298.
Committees (2)
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3 articles about this bill
Congressman Cohen Hails House Passage of the Count the Crimes to Cut Act
Reps. Roy, McBath, Biggs, and Cohen Celebrate the Advancement of the Bipartisan Effort to Simplify Federal Criminal Code
Reps. Roy, McBath, Biggs, and Cohen Lead Bipartisan Effort to Simplify Federal Criminal Code
Full Bill Text
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View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov