A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "COUNTER Act of 2025," requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to develop a formal strategy regarding the global basing intentions of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It mandates an intelligence assessment by the Director of National Intelligence to analyze risks to United States and ally power projection and freedom of movement. The Secretary of State must then submit a strategy that identifies specific high-risk locations and details the resources needed to address these threats. Additionally, an interagency task force will be established to implement this strategy. The Act also requires quadrennial reviews of the strategy to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The strategy focuses on protecting the interests and freedom of movement for U.S. allies.
- Scored +4
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill requires a coordinated strategy involving the Secretary of State to engage partner countries.
- Scored +3
Does this send more money or help to other countries?
The bill emphasizes securing foreign assistance and cooperation to address PRC basing.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protecting National Interests and Freedom of Movement: The strategy aims to ensure that the future force posture and freedom of movement of the United States and its allies are not jeopardized by the expansion of PRC bases (Section 3, paragraph 9).
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Mitigating Security Risks: The bill requires an intelligence assessment to analyze risks posed by PRC global basing to the United States and its allies, specifically regarding their ability to protect interests and project power (Section 5, subsection a).
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Proactive Defense Measures: The bill calls for a proactive rather than reactive posture to maximize strategic decision space and provides for the identification of actions that could help partner countries decide against giving the PRC military access to their territory (Section 3, paragraphs 3 and 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Resource Requirements: The strategy requires a comprehensive listing of estimated programmatic and personal resource requirements on an agency-by-agency basis, which may include identifying resource constraints (Section 5, subsection b, paragraph 2, subparagraph B).
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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The strategy focuses on protecting the interests and freedom of movement for U.S. allies. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill requires a coordinated strategy involving the Secretary of State to engage partner countries. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill emphasizes securing foreign assistance and cooperation to address PRC basing.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill mandates significant interagency coordination and strategy development by the executive branch. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires reports to congressional committees, enhancing oversight.
- 11/4/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/16/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ben ClineRepublican · Virginia
Darin LaHoodRepublican · Illinois
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa