Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026 (S.4967)
(Pending in the Senate)
The Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026 (S.4967) was introduced in the Senate on July 14, 2026, by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT).
The full title is: “To amend chapter 45 of title 18, United States Code, by providing for a sentencing enhancement for transnational repression committed against United States citizens or individuals who are physically present in the United States, and for other purposes.”
Background:
Senator Schiff explained the bill’s importance in a July 14, 2026 press release, saying: “This is a bipartisan effort to counter a national threat that reports show is only expanding in scope, with new and brazen efforts by countries like China trying to expand its intimidation of those not in lock step with the regime.”
Senator Curtis concurred in the same press release, saying: “This bipartisan bill gives law enforcement stronger tools to hold perpetrators accountable and makes clear that the United States will not tolerate these abuses.”
The Senators highlighted China’s recently enacted Ethnic Unity Law – particularly its overseas provision, which asserts the right to take legal action against individuals abroad – as a reason for the bill’s necessity.
The bill:
- Codifies a definition of transnational repression (TNR) in the U.S. criminal code.
- Increases penalties for perpetrators of TNR.
- Centralizes the U.S. government response to TNR within the Department of Justice and FBI.
- Requires annual reporting on incidents of TNR against American citizens and residents.
- Develops a strategy to investigate the use of AI to commit TNR.
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