August Pfluger (R-TX)
Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025," aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It proposes the creation of a dedicated Transnational Repression Working Group within the Department of Homeland Security. This working group would be responsible for analyzing and monitoring threats related to transnational repression and terrorism. The bill seeks to address tactics used by foreign governments or their agents, such as intimidation, stalking, and physical harm. The working group's activities are set to terminate seven years after enactment.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires annual assessments to be submitted to Congress and posted on a publicly available website.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?
The bill establishes a dedicated working group to monitor and counter terrorism threats related to transnational repression.
- Scored +5
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill provides protections against transnational repression which can target individuals in the U.S.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The bill notes the potential for activities to infringe upon the lawful exercise of free speech.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Safety and Threat Recognition: The bill seeks to help the Department of Homeland Security recognize, assess, and address threats such as threats, intimidation, harassment, surveillance, stalking, and planning physical harm or kidnapping (Section 2).
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Information Sharing: The new working group will review and disseminate information related to transnational repression and terrorism threats to Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners (Section 3(a)(5)).
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Transparency through Public Reporting: The Director of Homeland Security Investigations is required to submit annual assessments regarding incidents of transnational repression and terrorism threats, with the unclassified portions posted on a publicly available website (Section 3(a)(6)).
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Technological Advancement: The bill directs the Secretary to carry out research and development, including operational testing, for technologies and techniques to enhance support for countering these threats (Section 3(b)).
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Privacy Protections: The working group is required to have at least one employee dedicated to ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations (Section 3(a)(3)). Additionally, all activities must be carried out in accordance with constitutional, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections (Section 3(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential for Infringement on Rights: While the bill states that activities may not infringe upon the lawful exercise of free speech by United States persons, it is a condition that must be met (Section 3(c)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual assessments to be submitted to Congress and posted on a publicly available website. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill specifically mandates staffing to ensure compliance with privacy laws. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill establishes a new specialized working group and mandate within the Department of Homeland Security. Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill notes the potential for activities to infringe upon the lawful exercise of free speech.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this put more money into stopping terrorism? — The bill establishes a dedicated working group to monitor and counter terrorism threats related to transnational repression. Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — The bill expands the monitoring of threats, which involves analyzing and sharing information among federal and local partners.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill mandates the inclusion of staff dedicated to ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs research and development of technologies to support officials in countering repression.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill provides protections against transnational repression which can target individuals in the U.S.
- 4/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 3/25/2025
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 3/14/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Michael GuestRepublican · Mississippi
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida
Michael McCaulRepublican · Texas
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Andrew OglesRepublican · Tennessee
Jefferson ShreveRepublican · Indiana
Matt Van EppsRepublican · Tennessee