Bill · S. 3983· Senate(119-S-3983)
End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act
- Introduced
- 3/4/2026
- Last activity
- 3/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act," aims to amend title 28 of the United States Code. It establishes a specific legal procedure to dismiss strategic lawsuits against public participation brought by certain foreign actors. These actors include governments, agents, or entities from "covered countries" that have a pattern of frivolous litigation intended to deter First Amendment rights. The bill introduces a "special motion to dismiss" to handle these covered claims efficiently. It also addresses legal costs, interlocutory appeals, and the removal of cases to federal court.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+7
It creates strong protections for political speech against foreign harassment through legal mechanisms.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+5
The bill provides strong protections for First Amendment activities against foreign SLAPP suits.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
It provides expedited judicial procedures to prevent protracted litigation for defendants.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
The bill allows for removal of cases from state to federal court, which can override state judicial processes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of First Amendment Rights: The bill provides a mechanism to dismiss "covered claims" that are based on or in response to protected speech or political activity, such as communications in governmental proceedings or the exercise of the right of assembly (Section 2, Sec. 4201(5)).
-
Reduction of Litigation Burdens: By allowing for a "special motion to dismiss," the law provides a way to end frivolous lawsuits early in the process. This includes a stay of proceedings to halt discovery and other actions while the motion is pending (Section 2, Sec. 4202(d)).
-
Financial Relief for Defendants: If a defendant succeeds in a special motion to dismiss, there is a rebuttable presumption that they are entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs (Section 2, Sec. 4205(a)).
-
Deterrence of Harassment: The bill allows courts to impose punitive damages if a claim was presented specifically to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or increase the costs of litigation (Section 2, Sec. 4205(b)).
-
Expedited Judicial Resolution: To ensure cases do not linger, the law requires the court to rule on a special motion to dismiss no later than 90 days after it is filed (Section 2, Sec. 4202(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Certain Lawsuits: The protections of this act do not apply to claims involving recovery for bodily injury, wrongful death, or survival damages (Section 2, Sec. 4203(3)).
-
Limitations for Commercial Entities: The special motion to dismiss cannot be used against persons primarily engaged in selling or leasing commercial goods or services if the claim arises from those transactions (Section 2, Sec. 4203(1)).
-
Limited Scope for Government Officials: The act does not apply to claims brought by United States Government officials or entities acting in an official capacity (Section 2, Sec. 4203(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 Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Due Process+4Increases Federal Power+2Increase States Rights-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+5
- 3/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana