Congressional GOP Policy Agenda

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer is renewing his push for the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act, a bill he introduced in January that would expand the federal government’s ability to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans convicted of terrorism, espionage or certain fraud offenses. In an interview, Emmer argues that recent alleged attacks by naturalized citizens in Austin, New York City, Michigan and Virginia show that current denaturalization standards are 'too high' and should be relaxed so prosecutors can use post‑naturalization crimes as evidence that an applicant falsely claimed 'good moral character.' The bill, which Emmer says has nearly 50 House co‑sponsors and a Senate companion from Sen. Eric Schmitt, would allow the government to treat naturalization as invalid from the start if it proves misrepresentation and then deport those individuals. Supporters frame the measure as a national‑security fix ensuring 'America‑hating terrorists' can be 'denaturalized and shipped back,' while critics online are already warning about due‑process risks, the potential for broad use beyond terrorism cases, and the creation of a two‑tier citizenship system. The measure sits before the House Judiciary Committee, and Emmer predicts it could draw some Democratic support, making it an early test of how far Congress is willing to go in expanding denaturalization powers in response to high‑profile attacks.