Bill · H.R. 2158· House(119-HR-2158)
Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/14/2025
- Last activity
- 4/9/2025 — Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- August Pfluger
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 1
- 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
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires annual assessments to be submitted to Congress and posted on a publicly available website.
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?+5
The bill establishes a dedicated working group to monitor and counter terrorism threats related to transnational repression.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+5
The bill provides protections against transnational repression which can target individuals in the U.S.
The opposite
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-1
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Privacy Rights+4Increases Federal Power+3Improves Freedom Of Speech-1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+5Increases Domestic Surveillance+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+4Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+5
- 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