September 18, 2026

IACP Leadership Brief Congressional Leaders on Automated License Plate Recognition Technology 

On September 16 and 17, IACP President David Rausch and 3rd Vice President Blair Myhand participated in a series of meetings and a briefing on Capitol Hill to discuss automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology and related public safety issues.  

Over the last two days, working alongside the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) and the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), President Rausch and Vice President Myhand briefed the:

•Joint House Republican Leadership

• Senate Republican Leadership

• House Judiciary Committee Democratic Staff

• House CJS Appropriations Committee Majority and Minority Staff

• House Democratic Leadership Staff

• Senate Bipartisan Judiciary Committee Staff 

During their visit, President Rausch spoke at the Capitol Hill briefing: Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR): The Technology, the Investigations, the Guardrails. The briefing provided congressional members and staff with an overview of how ALPR technology works, its role in helping law enforcement locate missing children, identify vehicles connected to violent crimes, and generate investigative leads, as well as the safeguards, privacy protections, accountability measures, and oversight practices that accompany its use. 

 House Passes Combating Illicit Xylazine Act 

The U.S. House of Representatives this week unanimously passed the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, legislation that would place xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly found in the illicit drug supply, in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The measure is intended to provide law enforcement with additional tools to investigate and disrupt trafficking networks while preserving legitimate access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

Often referred to as “tranq,” xylazine has emerged as a common adulterant in fentanyl and other illicit drugs, contributing to an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable drug supply. Law enforcement agencies across the United States have reported growing concerns about its role in overdose incidents and the challenges it creates for investigators, prosecutors, and first responders. Supporters of the legislation contend that scheduling xylazine will improve authorities’ ability to track its distribution, prevent diversion into illicit markets, and hold traffickers accountable while protecting lawful veterinary uses. 

The IACP has been actively engaged on this issue and earlier this year joined other national law enforcement organizations in urging Congress to advance the legislation. In a letter supporting the Senate companion bill, the IACP highlighted the growing presence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply and emphasized the need for additional authorities to help law enforcement disrupt trafficking networks responsible for its distribution while maintaining access for legitimate veterinary purposes. 

CLARITY Act Fails to Advance in Senate 

The Senate this week failed to invoke cloture on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), preventing the legislation from advancing to floor debate. The procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes required to move the bill forward, stalling consideration of a comprehensive federal framework for regulating digital asset markets. The legislation sought to establish clear regulatory responsibilities for digital assets and define the respective oversight roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). 

The IACP has actively engaged Congress and the administration throughout consideration of the bill, expressing concerns that several provisions could unintentionally hinder law enforcement’s ability to investigate financial crimes involving digital assets. While supporting the goal of regulatory clarity and responsible innovation, the IACP has urged lawmakers to strengthen safeguards that preserve investigative authorities, improve transparency, combat fraud, and prevent criminals from exploiting digital asset platforms to conceal illicit proceeds. 

With the legislation now stalled, the future of the CLARITY Act remains uncertain. The IACP will continue working with lawmakers to ensure that any future digital asset legislation appropriately balances technological innovation with the public safety, accountability, and investigative tools law enforcement agencies need to combat fraud, ransomware, drug trafficking, human exploitation, and other crimes increasingly linked to digital assets. 

Congressional Calendar Update 

The House has now recessed until after the November elections, concluding its scheduled legislative business before entering the fall campaign period. The Senate is expected to remain in session through October 2 before beginning its pre-election recess, providing a limited window for consideration of pending nominations and legislative priorities. 

Following the election, both chambers are scheduled to return for a brief lame-duck session with a crowded agenda that includes FY 2027 appropriations, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and other outstanding legislative matters. With current government funding set to expire on December 11, federal spending negotiations are expected to dominate much of Congress’s remaining work before adjournment at year’s end.

Past Legislative Updates