Christopher Smith (R-NJ)
Transnational Repression Policy Act
A Republican bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
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
The Transnational Repression Policy Act aims to address actions taken by foreign governments or their agents against private individuals. It establishes a policy to protect people within the United States and U.S. nationals abroad from human rights violations. The bill mandates the creation of a United States strategy to increase international awareness and hold offending governments accountable. It requires interagency coordination to develop diplomacy, assistance programming, and law enforcement strategies. Additionally, the Act provides for specialized training for Department of State and various law enforcement personnel.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +7
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill seeks to protect individuals from digital surveillance and information gathering by foreign actors.
- Scored +6
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill provides resources and outreach specifically for diaspora and exile communities.
- Scored +6
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill examines how governments misuse purchased data to track and surveil potential victims.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Vulnerable Groups: The bill seeks to protect persons in the U.S. and U.S. nationals abroad from foreign government actions that violate human rights, specifically targeting those who may face intimidation, harassment, or harm, such as political dissidents, journalists, and diaspora communities (Section 2; Section 3).
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Increased Awareness and Resources: The Attorney General is tasked with publishing a toolkit or guide that describes existing Federal resources to assist and protect individuals and communities targeted by these tactics (Section 6(a)(1)).
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Community Outreach: The strategy includes developing outreach to connect law enforcement and local officials with targeted diaspora communities to ensure vulnerable individuals know what resources are available to them (Section 4(b)(3)(D)).
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Financial Support for Victims: The strategy requires sufficient funding for civil society and nongovernmental organizations that support victims of transnational repression (Section 4(b)(2)).
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Improved Training for Officials: The bill provides for training for Department of State personnel and various law enforcement agencies—including the FBI, DHS, and local officials—to better recognize and prevent the tactics used by perpetrators (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Civil Liberties Concerns: The bill directs the consideration of unintended negative impacts that expanded legal authorities might have on the civil liberties of the very communities targeted by transnational repression (Section 4(b)(3)(C)).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill provides resources and outreach specifically for diaspora and exile communities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides protections for members of diaspora and ethnic minority communities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill protects diaspora and ethnic minority groups from foreign intimidation. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill provides potential protections for vulnerable individuals facing repression.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill seeks to protect individuals from digital surveillance and information gathering by foreign actors. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates an interagency strategy and annual updates to Congress.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill encourages cooperation with like-minded foreign partners and international organizations. Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill addresses the misuse of digital surveillance and spyware technology used for repression.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill provides protections for ethnic minority groups targeted by foreign repression. Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill involves training for DHS and Customs and Border Protection to recognize repression tactics. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill considers updates to laws to criminalize information gathering used for harassment. Does this protect the right to vote? — The bill focuses on protecting individuals from harassment and intimidation by foreign powers.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill examines how governments misuse purchased data to track and surveil potential victims.
- 10/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/1/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
- 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.
Judy ChuDemocrat · California
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia
James WalkinshawDemocrat · Virginia