1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am urging you to support the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act of 2025. Civil asset forfeiture was designed as a crime-fighting tool, but in practice it often punishes people who are never convicted—or even charged—with a crime. Too many Americans have lost cars, cash, or homes without the government ever proving wrongdoing. This undermines public confidence in both law enforcement and the justice system. The FAIR Act takes a balanced approach: It ensures forfeitures go through the courts, providing judicial oversight and fairness. It raises the government’s burden of proof to “clear and convincing evidence,” protecting innocent owners while still allowing seizure of assets genuinely tied to crime. It guarantees access to counsel for those who cannot afford it, so property isn’t lost simply because someone lacks legal resources. It redirects proceeds to the U.S. Treasury instead of law enforcement budgets, eliminating the appearance of profit-driven policing. These reforms don’t end forfeiture—they restore it to what it was meant to be: a tool against criminal enterprises, not ordinary citizens. Supporting the FAIR Act is a principled way to protect constitutional rights while maintaining effective law enforcement. Please help restore fairness and public trust by backing this legislation.