Bill · H.R. 4279· House(119-HR-4279)
PROTECT USA Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 7/2/2025
- Last activity
- 7/2/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Scott Fitzgerald
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The PROTECT USA Act of 2025 aims to stop specific American companies from following foreign sustainability due diligence laws. These protected entities include businesses in the manufacturing, energy, and extractive sectors that are considered integral to national interests. The bill specifically targets regulations like the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. It prohibits these entities from performing assessments or reporting on environmental and social impacts required by foreign governments. Additionally, the act prevents people from taking adverse actions against these companies for not complying with such foreign rules.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would business owners be better off under this?+7
It provides significant legal and regulatory relief for major industrial and manufacturing business owners.
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically includes agriculture as an integral sector that should be protected from foreign regulations.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+5
It aims to facilitate international commerce and protect key sectors from foreign regulatory burdens.
The opposite· 3 of 9
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-7
The bill actively obstructs participation in environmental impact assessments and reporting requirements.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-6
By prohibiting sustainability due diligence, the bill reduces the incentive and ability to track and mitigate environmental impacts.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-5
The bill decreases transparency by preventing companies from reporting social and environmental impacts.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Employment and Economic Stability: The bill finds that foreign restrictions can have serious adverse effects on employment and economic stability; by prohibiting compliance with these regulations, it seeks to prevent these negative effects (Section 2).
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Support for Essential Industries: The act protects entities involved in the production of arms, critical minerals, and raw materials like agriculture, energy, and timber, which are described as critically important for economic development and human progress (Section 2 and Section 3).
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Legal Protection for Companies: Entities are protected from adverse actions taken by others due to their compliance or non-compliance with foreign regulations (Section 5).
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Relief from Foreign Court Judgments: The bill ensures that judgments from foreign courts regarding sustainability due diligence regulations will not be recognized in United States courts (Section 5).
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Hardship Relief System: Companies facing specific hardships due to these prohibitions can petition the President for an exemption (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restriction of Compliance Abilities: The bill prohibits entities integral to national interests from complying with foreign laws that require environmental or social impact assessments and reporting (Section 4).
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Limitation on Private Action: While entities can sue for adverse actions, the bill focuses on protecting specific large-scale entities rather than broader public interests (Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+7Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Union Workers+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-7Reduces Carbon Emissions-6Increases Renewable Energy Investment-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+3Improves Consumer Protection-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4Improves Government Transparency-5Improves Due Process-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+4Improves International Alliances-5Improves Diplomatic Engagement-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity-3
- 7/2/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.