HR 4834119th CongressIn Committee

GATE CRASHERS Act

Introduced: Aug 1, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] (R-Texas)

Immigration

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The GATE CRASHERS Act (H.R. 4834) would add a new federal criminal offense to title 18 of the U.S. Code, prohibiting unauthorized entry onto Department of Defense (DoD) property that is clearly marked as closed or restricted. The offense carries escalating penalties based on the number of offenses: up to 180 days in jail for a first offense, up to 3 years for a second offense, and up to 10 years for a third or subsequent offense, plus potential fines. The bill applies nationwide to DoD facilities and signage-bearing restricted areas, and it codifies this new offense as Sec. 1390 in Chapter 67 of title 18. The measure is introduced by Representative Arrington and would become law if enacted.

Key Points

1Creates a new federal crime: unauthorized access to DoD facilities.
2Scope: applies to DoD property within the United States that has been clearly marked as closed or restricted.
3Penalties escalate by offense count: up to 180 days (first offense), up to 3 years (second offense), up to 10 years (third or subsequent offenses), plus possible fines.
4Codification: adds Sec. 1390 to Chapter 67 of title 18, with a new entry in the table of sections.
5Short title: “Guarding and Administering Trespass Enforcement, Controlling Restricted Areas, and Stopping High-risk Encroachment Recidivism and Sabotage Act” or the GATE CRASHERS Act.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Individuals who enter DoD facilities or property without authorization, including bases, depots, testing sites, and other restricted DoD areas that are clearly signposted as closed or off-limits.Secondary group/area affected- DoD personnel, federal security and law enforcement, contractors, and any entities tasked with securing DoD sites; potential impact on researchers or workers who need authorized access.Additional impacts- Potential chilling effect or civil-liberties concerns for activities near restricted DoD facilities, including protests or media access, given the lack of explicit exemptions.- Increased federal enforcement for trespass on military property; possible overlap with other trespass or security statutes.- Nationwide applicability ensures uniform standards across DoD facilities; signage and clear marking become critical factors for enforcement.

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