John Cornyn (R-TX)
Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
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 is called the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025. It aims to protect United States national security by restricting certain investments made by United States persons in countries of concern, specifically naming the People's Republic of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. The legislation authorizes the President and the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions, prohibit specific national security transactions, and require notifications for certain technology investments. It also sets up reporting requirements for the executive branch to keep Congress informed about these foreign threats and enforcement actions. Finally, the provisions in the bill are set to expire seven years after the date of enactment.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill targets investments in technologies that could bolster the military and cyber capabilities of countries of concern.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates several reports to Congress to ensure transparency in the administration of sanctions and investment restrictions.
- Scored +3
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill encourages multilateral engagement and coordination with allies to implement these security protocols.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -3
Would high-income households be better off under this?
High-income households and institutional investors may face restricted access to certain high-growth technology markets in China.
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Business owners engaging in international trade or investment may face new compliance costs and prohibitions.
- Scored -2
Would retired people be better off under this?
Restrictions on outbound investments could negatively affect the diversification and returns of retirement portfolios.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection Against Foreign Adversaries: Section 104 states the sense of Congress that restricting United States outbound investments into dual-use strategic technologies is necessary to prevent harm to United States national security, foreign policy interests, and to stop foreign adversaries from using United States capital for military modernization, surveillance, and human rights abuses.
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Clear Guidance and Feedback Mechanisms: Section 301, adding Section 801(e)(2) to the Defense Production Act of 1950, requires the establishment of a process where persons can request non-binding, confidential feedback on whether a specific transaction would constitute a covered national security transaction, helping individuals and businesses avoid accidental violations.
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Protection for Self-Disclosers: Section 301, adding Section 801(e)(3) to the Defense Production Act of 1950, requires regulations to account for whether a United States person self-identifies and self-discloses a violation of investment prohibitions when determining legal consequences, which could benefit individuals acting in good faith.
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Minimizing Regulatory Burdens: Section 301, adding Section 801(e)(4) to the Defense Production Act of 1950, directs the Secretary to balance national security with minimizing the cost and complexity of compliance for affected parties and adopting the least burdensome alternative that achieves regulatory objectives.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Investment Prohibitions and Restrictions: Section 201 and Section 301 (adding Section 801 to the Defense Production Act of 1950) allow the government to prohibit United States persons from engaging in covered national security transactions and investing in certain foreign persons, which may limit financial opportunities for individuals and businesses.
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Mandatory Notification Burdens: Section 301 (adding Section 802 to the Defense Production Act of 1950) requires United States persons to submit written notifications to the Secretary within 30 days of completing certain technology transactions, creating administrative paperwork and compliance tracking burdens for individuals and entities.
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Penalties and Divestment: Section 201 and Section 301 (adding Section 807 to the Defense Production Act of 1950) subject individuals who violate the rules to civil penalties and empower the Secretary to compel the divestment of prohibited transactions, which could result in significant financial losses for investors.
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 business owners be better off under this? — Business owners engaging in international trade or investment may face new compliance costs and prohibitions. Would high-income households be better off under this? — High-income households and institutional investors may face restricted access to certain high-growth technology markets in China. Would retired people be better off under this? — Restrictions on outbound investments could negatively affect the diversification and returns of retirement portfolios.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill targets investments in technologies that could bolster the military and cyber capabilities of countries of concern. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill encourages multilateral engagement and coordination with allies to implement these security protocols.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates several reports to Congress to ensure transparency in the administration of sanctions and investment restrictions.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill restricts certain outbound investment opportunities, which may reduce potential economic returns for U.S. investors.
- 12/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Catherine Cortez MastoDemocrat · Nevada
Tim ScottRepublican · South Carolina
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts