Petroplex News

Congressman August Pfluger, serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, has reintroduced a legislative effort aimed at countering transnational repression within the United States. The bill, named the Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025, seeks to establish a dedicated office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address threats posed by foreign authoritarian regimes against American citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Transnational repression is defined as actions taken by foreign entities such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Iranian regime to suppress dissidents beyond their borders through tactics including harassment, assault, and intimidation.

"As our adversaries continue to grow increasingly aggressive, conducting transnational repression against dissidents or journalists within the United States, we must address these threats and protect those who speak out against tyranny and human rights abuses abroad," stated Chairman Pfluger. "The hostile acts we are seeing across the country are a direct challenge to our nation’s sovereignty and infringe upon Americans’ civil liberties."

Joining Congressman Pfluger in this legislative push are Congressmen Gabe Evans and Seth Magaziner. Rep. Evans has reintroduced the Law Enforcement Support and Transnational Repression Hotline Act to enhance community education on transnational repression and improve federal support connections for victims. Meanwhile, Rep. Magaziner's Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Counter Transnational Repression Act calls for DHS to bolster state and local law enforcement capabilities in tackling this issue.

In April 2024, these legislative measures successfully passed out of committee.

Recent incidents highlight the ongoing concern over transnational repression activities. On December 18, 2024, Chen Jinping admitted guilt in New York City for acting as an illegal agent for China by operating an undeclared overseas police station linked to China's Ministry of Public Security.

The Committee on Homeland Security has been actively addressing these issues through hearings that examine DHS's role in combating transnational repression. Notably, testimony from individuals like Dr. Bob Fu and journalist Masih Alinejad has informed bipartisan efforts toward crafting legislation for a comprehensive government response.

In past actions during April 2023, Chairman Pfluger alongside Committee Chairman Mark E. Green sought information from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding CCP-related operations in New York City perceived as violations of U.S. sovereignty.

Additionally, there have been numerous cases involving CCP-related espionage activities across multiple states between February 2021 and October 2024.