Bill · S. 3574· Senate(119-S-3574)
Ending Chinese Lawfare Act
- Introduced
- 12/18/2025
- Last activity
- 12/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Schmitt
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Ending Chinese Lawfare Act" stops U.S. courts from enforcing judgments or orders from the People's Republic of China if they are retaliatory. This applies to cases motivated by protected political speech, the exercise of U.S. governmental authority, or other constitutional rights. The bill allows the Attorney General to intervene in these cases and lets affected parties seek declaratory and injunctive relief in U.S. district courts. It also ensures that the prevailing party opposing the enforcement of such judgments can recover their legal fees.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+10
Directly protects US citizens from foreign judicial penalties based on political speech.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+10
Explicitly prohibits the enforcement of foreign judgments that penalize or chill First Amendment protected speech.
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
Protects business owners from retaliatory legal actions by the Chinese government.
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 Free Speech: Under Section 3(a)(2)(A) and Section 7(1), the bill prevents U.S. courts from enforcing foreign judgments that would penalize or chill speech protected by the First Amendment.
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Defense of Legal Rights: Section 3(a)(2)(C) prohibits the enforcement of judgments motivated by retaliation for exercising rights secured by the U.S. Constitution or laws.
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Recovery of Legal Costs: Section 4 allows the party who successfully opposes the enforcement of a barred judgment to be awarded reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and expert fees.
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Access to Court Protection: Section 8 allows individuals or entities targeted by these foreign proceedings to bring civil actions in U.S. courts for declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent enforcement efforts.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not list specific provisions that create burdens or negative consequences for individuals or groups in the United States.
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 Freedom Of Speech+10Improves Due Process+5Increases Federal Power+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+10
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+6
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 12/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate