Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act
Sponsored By: Representative Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced
Summary
Strengthen U.S. extradition efforts. This bill would require public reporting on outstanding extradition and rendition requests and direct U.S. diplomats to press foreign governments to return fugitives.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual report on extradition cases
If enacted, the President would have to report to Congress not later than 270 days after enactment and then every 12 months. The report would list fugitives the United States is seeking abroad and the countries where they live. It would describe diplomatic efforts, average case age, how many cases were resolved, and barriers to resolution. The report would also list U.S. citizens other countries sought to extradite in the past five years and the outcomes. The report would be unclassified but could include a classified annex, and it would go to House and Senate Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees.
Diplomatic push for extraditions
This bill would state a Sense of Congress that U.S. ambassadors and senior officials should prioritize urging other countries to extradite fugitives the United States seeks. It would specifically name George Wright as an example. The statement would be nonbinding and would not create a legal obligation. It would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
NJ • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
FL • R
Sponsored 6/8/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov