Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after his legislation, the Cooperate with Law Enforcement Agencies and Watch Act, passed the U.S. House by a bipartisan vote of 379 to 4:  

“As a former community banker, I have dealt with the conflict of wanting to help law enforcement agencies when receiving a ‘Keep Open Letter,’ while not being able to because of the need to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering or Bank Secrecy Act compliance requirements set forth by a regulator. My commonsense bill promotes a partnership without repercussions between local financial institutions and law enforcement agencies as they monitor cash flows associated with criminal investigations. This is yet another way the House is working to protect Americans within communities across America.” 

Watch Rep. Hill speak on the CLAW Act

Background:

The Cooperate with Law Enforcement Agencies and Watch Act, H.R. 5783, would provide a safe harbor for financial institutions that maintain a customer account at the request of a Federal or State law enforcement agency.