US Congress Introduces Bill to Criminalize Foreign Repression

On July 14, U.S. senators Adam Schiff (D‑CA) and John Curtis (R‑NV) introduced the bipartisan Stop Transnational Repression Act. The legislation would create a federal definition of “transnational repression” and increase penalties for foreign government agents who harass, coerce or threaten individuals on U.S. soil, adding up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The bill was prompted by China’s new Ethnic Unity Law, which Beijing says allows it to target critics abroad, and also addresses similar tactics by Iran. Human‑rights group Freedom House reports 319 documented cases of Chinese‑linked repression since 2014. The measure follows a recent conviction of a man for operating a “secret police” station in Manhattan on behalf of the Chinese government. Lawmakers say the bill is intended to protect U.S. sovereignty and the safety of diaspora communities.