Blackburn, Luján Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Carjacking Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

"We need to make it easier for federal prosecutors to combat and prevent carjackings," said Senator Blackburn. "My Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would make our streets safer for Tennesseans and all Americans by fixing a broken statute that has hindered federal prosecutors from holding carjacking offenders accountable. I am pleased that this important legislation is one step closer to becoming a law."

"The Albuquerque area continues to rank among the top cities for carjackings. This is unacceptable and puts people's lives and livelihoods at risk," said Senator Luján. "It is a positive step that legislation to give prosecutors the tools they need to hold carjackers accountable and keep our communities safe has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I'm committed to advancing this legislation and ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to protect our communities."

This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Josh Hawley(R-Mo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Barry Moore (R-Ala.).

FEDERAL CARJACKING ENFORCEMENT ACT

• In 2024, Tennessee was ranked among the top ten states for motor vehicle thefts, and Tennessee saw a nearly 200% increase in auto theft crime by juveniles in 2023.

• The current federal carjacking statute requires prosecutors to prove defendants had an "intent to cause death or bodily harm," which has made it harder to bring federal carjacking prosecutions and accounts for the decrease in federal carjacking prosecutions in certain parts of the country.

• The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would fix this drafting error by requiring prosecutors only have to prove the knowing taking of a motor vehicle.

• In cases in which death results following a carjacking, the bill would maintain the higher "intent to cause death or bodily harm" requirement.

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Association of Police Organizations, Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau:

"NDAA is proud to announce its support of the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act. Carjacking is a violent crime that endangers lives, destabilizes communities, and threatens public safety. This legislation sends a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated, while improving the current legal framework to protect victims and communities," said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of NDAA.

"The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) appreciates Senator Blackburn's leadership in advancing this important legislation, which will empower law enforcement to more effectively combat carjackings, ensuring offenders are held accountable, and justice is served. We stand ready to support all efforts to move the bill forward," said Megan Noland, Executive Director of MCSA.

"According to the Council on Criminal Justice, carjacking rates in 10 major U.S. cities increased 93% from 2019 to 2023. This substantial surge in carjackings poses a serious risk to public safety and we must ensure the perpetrators of this violent crime face justice. We stand with Senator Blackburn in support of this important change to the federal carjacking statute and thank her for her dedication to protecting public safety," said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.

"Tennessee District Attorneys appreciate Senator Blackburn's commitment to public safety, support for prosecutors and law enforcement, and her meaningful legislative leadership and efforts to reduce violent crime. We are happy to partner with her to endorse and fully support this legislation that will protect Tennesseans," said Stephen D. Crump, Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

"The National Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports the "Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act." This important piece of legislation makes a change to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 so that prosecutors can more easily pursue carjacking cases. The FOP is grateful to the leadership of Senators Blackburn, Luján, Cornyn, and Cortez Masto, who understand the need to address the increasing threat of this type of vehicular crime," said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.

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• Blackburn Introduces Bills to Combat Juvenile Crime and Crack Down on Carjacking