Bill · H.R. 4829· House(119-HR-4829)
Transnational Repression Policy Act
- Introduced
- 8/1/2025
- Last activity
- 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.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Smith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 5
- 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
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+7
The bill seeks to protect individuals from digital surveillance and information gathering by foreign actors.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+6
The bill provides resources and outreach specifically for diaspora and exile communities.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+6
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+6Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For People With Disabilities+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+7Improves Government Transparency+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Cybersecurity Defense+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Border Security+2Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+1Improves Voting Rights+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+6
- 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