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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 2978· 119th Congress

GUARD Act of 2026: Federal Support for Elder Fraud and Cryptocurrency Investment Scam Investigations

GUARD Act

Sponsor
Zachary Nunn (R-IA)
Introduced
Apr 21, 2025
Last Action
Sep 16, 2026

Recorded legislative actions. Future votes are not implied.

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Introduced
Apr 21, 2025
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In Committee
Apr 21, 2025
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Passed Committee
May 13, 2026
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Passed House
Sep 15, 2026
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Received in Senate
Sep 16, 2026

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jul 21, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 20, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

  • Allows state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and grant recipients from certain federal law enforcement programs to use those funds investigating general financial fraud, elder financial fraud, and pig butchering schemes.
  • Pig butchering is defined as a confidence and investment fraud where victims are gradually persuaded to transfer increasing sums, typically cryptocurrency, into fake virtual investments.
  • Authorizes federal law enforcement agencies to assist state, local, and tribal agencies and fusion centers with blockchain tracing tools and related technology.
  • Requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to report on efforts combating these fraud types and to evaluate legislative recommendations for improvement.
  • Requires FinCEN to report on the state of general financial fraud, elder financial fraud, pig butchering, and scams in the United States, including crime trends.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • The bill expands eligible uses of existing federal law enforcement grant funds but does not establish new funding amounts or appropriations.
  • State and local agencies gain access to federal blockchain and related technology tools, documented effect on investigation capabilities not specified.
  • FinCEN reporting requirements are established, but the bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms, timelines, or consequences for findings.
  • The bill creates no explicit restrictions or limitations on law enforcement authority; effects depend on implementation and grant allocation decisions by agencies.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • House passed the bill 414-7 under suspension of rules on September 15, 2026.
  • Bill received in Senate and placed on Legislative Calendar as Calendar No. 627 on September 16, 2026.
  • No scheduled Senate committee assignment or floor vote date has been recorded.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Sep 16, 2026 — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 627.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 7 (Roll no. 301). (text: CR H5602-5603)
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 7 (Roll no. 301). (text: CR H5602-5603)
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5822)
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 7 (Roll no. 301).
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 7 (Roll no. 301).
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Considered as unfinished business.