Transnational Repression Policy Act

This bill aims to protect people in the United States—and U.S. citizens abroad—from harassment or harm by foreign governments that try to silence critics across borders. It defines this behavior, called “transnational repression,” as intimidation, threats, spying, or attacks against dissidents, activists, journalists, students, and diaspora communities by foreign governments or their agents . The U.S. would work with allies, pursue criminal cases when appropriate, and hold those involved—including unregistered foreign agents—accountable .

The plan requires a government strategy within about nine months to raise global awareness, support victims, and push back on abusive governments. This includes more funding for nonprofits that aid victims, closer work with local communities, and possible updates to U.S. laws to address tactics like gathering personal data on diaspora members for harassment. It also calls for checking the legality of overseas “police stations” set up by foreign governments, and making sure any new powers don’t harm civil liberties. The Justice Department must publish a plain-language toolkit for targeted communities, do proactive outreach about reporting to the FBI, train congressional staff, and assess how purchased data, spyware, and controlled exports are misused by abusive governments .

• The State Department and U.S. law enforcement would receive new training on common tactics, the countries involved, digital surveillance tools, and how to engage with at-risk communities. Training would extend to DHS agencies, the FBI, INTERPOL Washington, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, other federal and local officers, and community partners, with funds authorized in fiscal year 2026 .