WASHINGTON, D.C., – Today, House Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik introduced legislation to end cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and throughout the nation. Sen. Masha Blackburn has introduced the Senate companion versions.
The Ending Cashless Bail in Our Nation’s Capital Act and the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would ban cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and would work to end it nationwide by prohibiting federal funds from going to support policies and Far Left officials who are releasing violent criminals back on the streets.
- In August 2025, because of Gov. Kathy Hochul's Far Left policies, a Guatemalan national who, despite facing four felonies and two misdemeanors, is now free with no bail. Police said the accused criminal is responsible for 12 high school students being rushed to the hospital after they consumed gummies he sold them that were laced with dangerous and deadly drugs.
- In 2022, a suspect on release and under indictment for a near-murder shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Washington, D.C. allegedly stabbed a person during an argument and fled the scene.
- In August 2025, President Trump signed two executive orders to protect law-abiding citizens from the harms of cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and nationwide. Chairwoman Stefanik’s legislation would build on his efforts and make them permanent.
"Under Kathy Hochul's failed leadership, cashless bail policies in New York pose a clear and present danger to the Nation and must be terminated," said Chairwoman Stefanik. "Today, Sen. Marsha Blackburn and I are working alongside President Trump to end the cashless bail disaster. We can’t allow arrested individuals who are awaiting trial to be released back onto the streets to commit more crimes against their communities."
“Cashless bail and other soft-on-crime policies have empowered violent criminals across our country, putting the lives of law-abiding citizens at risk,” said Senator Blackburn. “President Trump is leading the charge to restore law and order by ending these failed policies, and Congresswoman Stefanik and I are backing his efforts by introducing two bills to end cashless bail and keep violent offenders behind bars.”
“The National Association of Bail Agents & the NYS Bail Association are proud to stand with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's bill to end cashless bail policies in DC and across the nation!” said Michelle Esquenazi, President of The National Association of Bail Agents. “We applaud Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's bold initiatives and leadership, and we are certain that this legislation will serve to protect the public safety of law-abiding citizens everywhere!”
BACKGROUND:
Under Kathy Hochul's leadership, failed bail reform policy is a staple of her administration. In 2020, New York implemented failed bail reform to eliminate cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies throughout the entire state. Far Left judges often use their discretion to expand the baseline of the policy to free criminals into our communities, which often applies to repeat offenders, violent crimes, or certain circumstances.
“Zero Bail” policy resulted in 163 percent more crime and 200 percent more violent crime compared to those who posted bail, a 2023 study out of Yolo County, California, found.
Read the legislation HERE and HERE.
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