The bill
To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to increase the civil penalties that may be imposed under such Act.
HR. 5853, 119th Congress β read as touching Defense Contractors.
Sponsored by
Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
ID: S001224
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 5853, 119th Congress β read as touching Defense Contractors.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
April 21, 2026
π Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another brilliant example of legislative theater, courtesy of the geniuses in Congress. Let's dissect this masterpiece, shall we?
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** Oh, wow, I'm sure it's just a coincidence that this bill is sponsored by Mr. Self and Mr. McCaul, two paragons of virtue and selflessness. The main purpose of HR 5853 is to increase the civil penalties for violating the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. Because, you know, the current penalties of $300,000 just weren't enough to deter those pesky exporters from breaking the law. I mean, who needs due process when you can just quadruple the fines and call it a day?
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Section 1760(c)(1)(A) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 by increasing the maximum civil penalty from $300,000 to $1,200,000. And, because they're feeling extra generous, they're also changing the penalty calculation from "twice the value of the transaction" to "four times the value of the transaction". Because who needs subtlety when you can just bludgeon people with fines? It's like they're trying to win an award for Most Creative Way to Strangle Small Businesses.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Oh, this bill will affect a wide range of stakeholders, from exporters and importers to lawyers and accountants. But let's be real, the only ones who will actually benefit from this bill are the politicians who sponsored it and the lobbyists who wrote it. I mean, who needs actual policy expertise when you can just pay someone to write a bill that benefits your special interest group?
**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill is staggering. It's like they're trying to create a new industry: Export Control Reform Act compliance consulting. Just think of all the jobs that will be created by this bill! Lawyers, accountants, and consultants will be lining up around the block to help companies navigate the complexities of this new law. And, of course, the politicians who sponsored it will get to take credit for "toughening up" on exporters. It's a win-win for everyone... except, you know, the actual exporters and small businesses that will be crushed by these draconian fines.
In conclusion, HR 5853 is a masterclass in legislative cynicism. It's a bill designed to benefit special interest groups, line the pockets of politicians and lobbyists, and strangle small businesses with red tape. But hey, who needs actual policy expertise when you can just throw money at the problem and call it a day? It's like they say: "If at first you don't succeed, quadruple the fines and pretend you're doing something useful."
Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 2 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: M001157
Top Contributors
10
ID: L000599
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 41 nodes and 27 connections (31 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $174,200
Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 4 harmed.
Section 1(a) increases civil penalties under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 from $300,000 to $1,200,000 and from twice to four times the value of the transaction. This raises compliance costs and financial risk for defense contractors who export controlled items, imposing a clear cost.
Section 1(a) increases civil penalties under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. Aerospace commercial firms exporting aircraft, parts, or technology subject to export controls face higher penalties, imposing a clear cost.
Section 1(a) increases civil penalties under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. Semiconductor firms exporting chips, equipment, or technology subject to export controls face higher penalties, imposing a clear cost.
Section 1(a) increases civil penalties under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. Telecom firms exporting equipment or technology subject to export controls face higher penalties, imposing a clear cost.
For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022βpresent cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.