Bill · S. 2525· Senate(119-S-2525)
Transnational Repression Policy Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2025
- Last activity
- 7/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Transnational Repression Policy Act, aims to address actions by foreign governments that intimidate, silence, harass, coerce, or harm private individuals outside their borders. It requires the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive interagency strategy report to Congress within 270 days of enactment. The legislation mandates specialized training for Department of State personnel and domestic U.S. officials regarding the tactics and perpetrators of transnational repression. Additionally, it directs the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to publish a resource guide, conduct proactive community outreach, organize staff trainings for congressional offices, and produce an assessment on misused data and surveillance technology.
Yes· 3 of 18
Would immigrants be better off under this?+5
Provides critical protections, outreach, and resources for diaspora and exile communities targeted by foreign regimes.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
Encourages cooperation with like-minded foreign partners to mitigate transnational repression.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+4
Addresses the misuse of surveillance technology and data in transnational repression activities.
The opposite
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-2
Expands definitions of foreign agents and legal authorities which could pose minor risks to civil liberties.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4(b)(2): Provides sufficient funding for civil society and nongovernmental organizations that support victims of transnational repression and conduct research on global trends. This is positive because it directly aids victims and helps track these harmful abuses.
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Section 4(b)(3)(D): Develops outreach strategies to connect law enforcement and local municipal officials with targeted diaspora communities. This ensures vulnerable individuals are aware of available federal and local resources without putting them at further risk.
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Section 5(b): Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and other officials, to provide specific training on recognizing and preventing transnational repression. This ensures that domestic law enforcement and federal employees are better equipped to protect vulnerable communities in the United States.
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Section 6(a)(1): Directs the publication of a toolkit or guide describing existing federal resources to assist and protect individuals and communities targeted by transnational repression in the United States. This gives everyday people clear, accessible directions on where to find help.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 4(b)(3)(A): Considers updates to United States law that could criminalize gathering information about private individuals in diaspora and exile communities, and expands the definition of foreign agents. While intended to stop harassment, expanding legal definitions and authorities can sometimes carry unintended negative impacts on the civil liberties of targeted communities, as noted in 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+5Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Students+3Good For Young Adults+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Cybersecurity Defense+4Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4Increases Foreign Aid+3Increases Domestic Surveillance-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Freedom Of Speech+3Improves Privacy Rights+3Increases Federal Power+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+3Improves Religious Freedom+3Improves Border Security+2Improves Policing Reform+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+4Increases Big Tech Regulation+3
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor 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.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska