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HR 5501 117th Congress House Government Operations and Politics Computer security and identity theft Computers and information technology Congressional oversight Currency Digital media Fraud offenses and financial crimes Government information and archives Government studies and investigations Internet and video services Internet, web applications, social media State and local government operations

Ransom Disclosure Act

Introduced: October 5, 2021 Introduced by: Ross, Deborah K. Democratic · North Carolina See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 117th Congress ended
It never became law before the 117th Congress (2021–2022) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 6, 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Oct 5, 2021
Introduced in House
Oct 5, 2021
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Ransom Disclosure Act

This bill requires certain entities to disclose ransom payments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Specifically, within 48 hours of paying a ransom, disclosure must be made to DHS by any entity that (1) is engaged in interstate commerce, (2) is engaged in an activity affecting interstate commerce, or (3) receives federal funds.

DHS must publish annually information disclosed, including the total dollar amount paid, without revealing identifying information.

DHS must conduct a study to determine if there are commonalities with respect to the information disclosed and the extent to which cryptocurrency has facilitated the kinds of attacks that resulted in such payments.

DHS must establish a website through which individuals may voluntarily report the payment of a ransom by the individual.

What's happening now October 6, 2021

Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • S 2926 Related bill A bill to require certain entities to disclose to the Secretary of Homeland Security ransom payments, and for other pur…
  • S 2943 Identical bill Ransom Disclosure Act
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 5501: Ransom Disclosure Act. 117th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-5501/
MLA
"H.R. 5501: Ransom Disclosure Act." 117th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-5501/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 5501, 117th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-5501/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 5501: Ransom Disclosure Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-5501/)
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