A substantive modification. v2 renames the bill to "Eliminate PRC Organized Crime Act" and consistently replaces "Chinese" with "PRC" throughout. It also expands the scope of criminal activities targeted by the assistance program to include illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and human trafficking, and adds new analytical requirements to the report on PRC organized crime.
Eliminate PRC Organized Crime Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 27, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to bolster the capabilities of Latin American and Caribbean law enforcement to counter the growing influence and criminal activities of PRC-linked organizations in the region through U.S. assistance and intelligence sharing.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new program under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, authorizing the Secretary of State to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies in Latin American and Caribbean countries. The program aims to enhance their capacity to collect information on, disrupt, and prosecute transnational criminal organizations linked to the People's Republic of China (PRC) involved in activities such as narcotics trafficking, money laundering, illicit finance, transnational repression, illegal fishing, and foreign interference. It also includes provisions for a national interest waiver for certain counternarcotics certifications and mandates a comprehensive report to Congress on PRC organized crime in the region.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for U.S. national security, as PRC-linked criminal activities in Latin America and the Caribbean pose a direct threat to U.S. interests, including drug trafficking and illicit finance. They contend that strengthening regional law enforcement capacity is a cost-effective way to combat these threats, counter China's expanding malign influence, and protect the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might argue that such a program could be perceived as U.S. overreach or interference in sovereign nations' internal affairs, potentially leading to unintended diplomatic consequences or alienating regional partners. Concerns could also be raised about the effectiveness of such foreign assistance programs, the potential for corruption within recipient agencies, or the risk of mischaracterizing legitimate Chinese business activities as criminal.
The bill is relatively concise and clearly structured, making it accessible for a thorough review within a short timeframe, allowing policymakers to grasp its core provisions and implications efficiently.
Section 2, amending Chapter 8 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, adding Section 490A(a).
Establishment of Assistance Program to Counter PRC-Linked Criminal Groups
This provision authorizes the Secretary of State to create a program providing assistance to law enforcement agencies in Latin American and Caribbean countries. The assistance is specifically aimed at helping these agencies gather information on, disrupt, and prosecute transnational criminal organizations linked to the People's Republic of China (PRC) that are involved in activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, illicit finance, transnational repression, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and foreign interference.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this program is vital for countering the growing threat of PRC-linked criminal networks that exploit vulnerabilities in the region, undermine the rule of law, and pose direct threats to U.S. national security and economic interests.
Critics contend
Critics might express concerns about potential for mission creep, the risk of U.S. involvement in internal policing matters of sovereign nations, or the possibility of aid being diverted or misused within recipient countries.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the strategic imperative to combat transnational crime and counter PRC influence with potential diplomatic sensitivities and the inherent challenges of effective foreign aid implementation and oversight.
Section 2, amending Section 490A(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Specific Forms of Assistance Provided
This section details the types of assistance that can be provided under the program. These include consultations between U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies, specialized training in financial investigations, money laundering and illicit finance prosecution, and asset forfeiture. It also covers technical assistance, such as digital forensics, telecommunications intercept coordination, and intelligence gathering, as well as support for vetting and screening programs to prevent foreign law enforcement agencies from being compromised by PRC-linked criminal groups.
Section 2, amending Section 490A(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
National Interest Waiver for Counternarcotics Certifications
This provision allows the Secretary of State to provide assistance to a country even if that country has been determined to have "demonstrably failed" to adhere to its obligations under applicable international counternarcotics agreements. This waiver can be exercised if the Secretary determines that providing the assistance is in the national interest of the United States, provided that Congress is notified at least 15 days before the assistance is provided.
Section 2, amending Section 490A(f) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Comprehensive Report on PRC Organized Crime in Latin America
This provision mandates the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to submit an annual report to appropriate congressional committees. The report must identify all U.S. assistance provided under the program (including amounts and intended outcomes), summarize known PRC-linked criminal activity in Latin America and the Caribbean, detail any PRC law enforcement assistance to these countries, analyze PRC efforts to expand bilateral policing agreements, analyze cross-regional patterns of PRC-linked criminal organizations, and identify the status of mutual legal assistance treaty requests.
Defines 'PRC-linked transnational criminal organization' as an organization that includes one or more foreign persons, engages in serious criminal activity across at least two foreign states (including the People's Republic of China) or one foreign state and the United States, threatens U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economy, and meets any other criteria the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
Section 2, amending Section 490A(g)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to place definitions at the end of a section or act. However, the breadth of the definition, particularly the 'any other criteria' clause, makes it highly consequential.
Case for: Supporters argue this definition provides necessary clarity and flexibility for the Secretary of State to target specific threats, ensuring the program focuses on organizations that genuinely pose a risk to U.S. interests and are linked to the PRC. The 'any other criteria' clause allows for adaptation to evolving and unforeseen threats.
Case against: Critics might argue that the 'any other criteria' clause grants too much discretion to the Secretary of State, potentially allowing for broad interpretation that could encompass entities not strictly criminal or directly linked to the PRC, leading to mission creep or politicization of the program.
Estimated impact: This definition directly shapes the scope and targets of the entire assistance program, determining which organizations are eligible for disruption and prosecution efforts, and thus the overall effectiveness and focus of the U.S. initiative.
Requires that assistance authorized under the program shall be provided in coordination with the Attorney General and, if appropriate, the Director of National Intelligence.
Section 2, amending Section 490A(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Why it matters:It is standard legislative practice to include interagency coordination requirements in foreign policy and intelligence-related bills to ensure a unified government approach.
Case for: Proponents argue this ensures a whole-of-government approach, leveraging the expertise of the Department of Justice (for law enforcement) and the intelligence community to maximize the effectiveness of the program, avoid duplication of effort, and ensure comprehensive threat assessment.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against coordination requirements, as they are generally seen as good governance. However, some might argue that excessive coordination could potentially slow down the implementation and responsiveness of the program.
Estimated impact: Ensures interagency cooperation and resource optimization for the program, integrating law enforcement, diplomatic, and intelligence efforts to counter PRC-linked criminal organizations.