U.S. House Bill Proposes New Federal Task Force for Cryptocurrency Theft

On June 11, 2026, Representative Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas, and Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, introduced a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation proposes the creation of a Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force designed to coordinate and oversee investigations into theft involving digital assets.

The task force would involve major federal agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security, and the Treasury Department. The primary aim is to enhance the United States' capability to address the increasing incidents of cryptocurrency theft, which has been exacerbated by criminal activities and hacking. Gooden stated, "Crypto criminals are stealing billions from Americans, and Washington lacks a coordinated strategy to stop them." This bill intends to enhance consumer protection and build trust within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

This task force would serve as a focal point for federal efforts to combat crypto theft, which has seen significant financial losses, evidenced by last year’s reported $11 billion in thefts and scams. Gottheimer highlighted that victims of crypto theft currently have inadequate resources to seek assistance, stating it would provide "a single federal point of contact."

The need for such a task force arises from inconsistencies in how theft cases are addressed across various jurisdictions, which includes a mix of federal and local law enforcement responses. Dannis Porter, co-founder and CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, emphasized that organizing these efforts under the DOJ would facilitate a unified federal response, maintaining respect for local law enforcement autonomy.

This legislative move follows historical precedents, such as the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, which was previously disbanded, and the Joint Ransomware Task Force established in 2021 under the Biden administration, aimed at combating ransomware attacks tied to cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, the Treasury Department had previously initiated a Scam Center Strike Force to address international scams related to cryptocurrency.

Currently, it remains uncertain whether this new task force proposal will successfully advance through Congress amidst a packed legislative agenda. The bill needs to either proceed through a House committee or be attached to other significant legislative packages to progress. The Digital Chamber, which supports cryptocurrency policies, underscored the urgency for law enforcement to possess adequate tools and training to effectively investigate these crimes, trace illicit activity, and support victims.