House passes Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform PDF Print E-mail
FOR RELEASE: June 24, 1999

House passes Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Chairman Hyde thanks Paul for help in passage

WASHINGTON, DC -- In a landslide victory, the House of Representatives passed HR 1658, the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act, 375 to 48 on Thursday.
Currently, innocent people can have their property seized and forfeited for simply being accused of a crime and must prove themselves innocent in order to get it back. The legislation, brought forward by House Judiciary Chairman Henry Hyde (R, IL), Rep. Ron Paul (R, TX) and 58 others, will change the burden of proof so that federal prosecutors must prove guilt.
Chairman Hyde offered his appreciation to Rep. Paul.
"I would like to thank Dr. Paul for highlighting the abuses of civil asset forfeiture and for his help in getting the H.R. 1658 passed," said Chairman Hyde.
In addition to speaking and writing in support of the measure, Rep. Paul worked with Chairman Hyde to protect the legislation from measures that would have watered down the legislation. In the end, the original legislation brought forward by Chairman Hyde, Rep. Paul and the others passed the House.
"This common-sense reform is a great step forward for our judicial system, and for all Americans," said Rep. Paul. "Congress is coming around to recognize that our federal criminal laws have gotten out of control. The people complained, and Congress has responded. This is very positive."