A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a working group within the Department of Homeland Security to counter threats from the Chinese Communist Party. The group will focus on terrorism, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security. It mandates the creation of a Director to oversee these security efforts and requires sufficient staffing, including a privacy compliance employee. The group is tasked with examining various threats, such as identity theft, human smuggling, and economic practices like intellectual property theft. It also includes duties regarding the tracking of fentanyl trafficking and illicit financial activities. The working group is scheduled to terminate seven years after its establishment.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +5
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill creates a specialized group to counter cybersecurity threats from the CCP.
- Scored +5
Does this tighten control of the border?
The bill establishes a working group to counter threats related to unlawful border crossings and human smuggling.
- Scored +4
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?
The bill targets the trafficking of fentanyl and other controlled substances.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
Increased intelligence gathering and information sharing may impact privacy and civil liberties.
- Scored -2
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill focuses on countering the exploitation of the immigration system, which may increase scrutiny on immigrants.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Security Protections: The creation of a working group to examine threats related to terrorism, cybersecurity, border/port security, and transportation security aims to counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Countering Immigration Exploitation: The bill directs the group to examine efforts to counter the exploitation of the immigration system through identity theft, visa processes, unlawful border crossings, human smuggling, and human trafficking (Section 2(b)(1)(A)).
-
Combating Predatory Economic Practices: The group will examine efforts to counter the trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods, the use of forced labor, labor exploitation, customs fraud, and the theft of intellectual property and technology (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).
-
Addressing Drug Trafficking: The bill targets support for transnational criminal organizations involved in trafficking fentanyl, illicit drug precursors, or other controlled substances through borders and mail shipments (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
-
Information Sharing: The working group is tasked with reviewing and disseminating information related to security threats among Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy and Civil Liberties Risks: While the bill mandates compliance with privacy laws and requires at least one employee dedicated to ensuring compliance (Section 2(a)(3)(B)), all activities must be carried out in accordance with constitutional, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections to prevent infringement (Section 2(g)).
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 better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill creates a specialized group to counter cybersecurity threats from the CCP. Does this put more money into stopping terrorism? — The bill establishes a working group specifically to counter terrorism threats. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill aims to counter predatory economic practices and intellectual property theft. Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — Increased intelligence gathering and information sharing may impact privacy and civil liberties.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual assessments to be posted on a publicly available website. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the capabilities and mandate of the Department of Homeland Security. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill includes protections for privacy through dedicated staffing and legal compliance.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The bill targets the theft of intellectual property and technology. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill mandates the inclusion of employees dedicated to ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill establishes a working group to counter threats related to unlawful border crossings and human smuggling.
- Healthcare
- Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill targets the trafficking of fentanyl and other controlled substances.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill aims to counter the trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill protects against intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill focuses on countering the exploitation of the immigration system, which may increase scrutiny on immigrants.
- 3/11/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 3/10/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1049-1050)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1049-1050)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 708.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1049-1051)
- Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 3/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and 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
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.
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Mark GreenRepublican · Tennessee
Michael GuestRepublican · Mississippi
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Morgan LuttrellRepublican · Texas
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
August PflugerRepublican · Texas
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York