Stop TNR Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to deter foreign governments and their agents from harassing or harming individuals within the United States by strengthening legal tools and centralizing federal response efforts, thereby protecting U.S. sovereignty and individual freedoms.
What it actually does
This bill defines "transnational repression" as activities by foreign powers or their agents/proxies to harass, coerce, threaten, or physically harm individuals in the U.S. or U.S. persons abroad. It establishes a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine for federal offenses involving such acts. The bill also centralizes federal oversight of transnational repression investigations and prosecutions, mandates annual reports and briefings to Congress, and directs the development of a strategy to counter AI-driven repression.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill addresses a critical and growing threat from foreign governments targeting individuals within the U.S., including citizens and residents, to silence dissent. They contend that explicitly defining transnational repression and providing a significant sentencing enhancement will serve as a heightened deterrent, protect fundamental freedoms like First Amendment rights, and underscore U.S. sovereignty against foreign interference. The centralization of federal efforts is expected to improve effectiveness.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that existing federal laws already cover the underlying criminal acts, and adding a specific enhancement for "transnational repression" could lead to overreach, complicate prosecutions, or create diplomatic complexities without significantly increasing deterrence. Concerns could also be raised about the broad definition of "transnational repression" potentially encompassing activities that are not clearly criminal or about the potential for misuse in international relations.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are understandable, making it accessible for a reader to evaluate its primary impacts within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 4(a), inserting new 18 U.S.C. 968
Establishes Sentencing Enhancement for Transnational Repression
This provision defines "transnational repression" as any activity by a foreign power or its agents/proxies that reaches beyond their territorial jurisdiction, involves harassment, coercion, threats (including force, fear of death/injury/imprisonment), or extrajudicial killing, is done in the foreign power's interest, and occurs in the U.S. or targets a U.S. person. It then adds up to 10 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine to the sentence of anyone convicted of a federal offense who knowingly committed an act of transnational repression as part of that offense.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this enhancement provides a critical tool to deter foreign actors, ensuring that those who commit crimes on U.S. soil at the behest of foreign powers face appropriately severe consequences. This protects U.S. sovereignty, the rights of individuals, and sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that existing laws already provide sufficient penalties for the underlying criminal acts, and this enhancement could lead to disproportionate sentencing or create diplomatic complexities without significantly increasing deterrence against state-sponsored actors.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for robust deterrence against potential concerns about the scope of federal sentencing and the complexities of international relations.
Section 5
Centralizes Oversight of Transnational Repression Prosecutions and Investigations
This section directs the Attorney General to centralize oversight of all prosecutions for offenses involving an act of transnational repression within the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. Concurrently, it mandates that the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation centralize oversight of investigations into such acts within the FBI.
Section 6
Directs U.S. Sentencing Commission to Amend Guidelines
This section requires the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines within 270 days of the Act's enactment. These amendments are necessary to provide for appropriate sentencing enhancements as established by the new section 968 of title 18, United States Code, ensuring consistent application of the new penalties.
Sections 7 and 8
Mandates Annual Reports and Briefings on Transnational Repression
These sections require the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, in consultation with other agency heads, to submit annual unclassified reports (with classified annexes) to Congress. These reports must detail trends, methods (including AI and commercial spyware), and U.S. government efforts to disrupt transnational repression. Additionally, within 30 days of each report, in-person briefings must be provided to congressional committees, including detailed descriptions of specific instances and federal responses.
Section 9
Directs Strategy for AI in Transnational Repression Investigations
This section directs the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, in consultation with other relevant agencies, to develop a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy. This strategy will focus on preventing, investigating, and responding to acts of transnational repression that are perpetrated through the use of artificial intelligence. It also mandates outreach to technology companies, engagement in multilateral efforts, and a public education campaign regarding AI's use in foreign influence, disinformation, and repression.
Section 10
Mandates Review of Responses to Transnational Repression
This section requires the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, in consultation with other relevant federal agencies, to conduct an initial review within 180 days of enactment, and annually thereafter. These reviews will assess the use of existing authorities (such as sanctions, visa restrictions, foreign assistance restrictions, and export controls) and provide recommendations for additional authorities that could be used to respond to and deter transnational repression against U.S. persons. Reports on these findings are to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees.
Section 11
Authorizes Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act and its amendments. This means that while the bill itself does not allocate specific funds, it provides the legal authority for Congress to appropriate money in future legislation to support the activities mandated by this Act, such as investigations, prosecutions, strategy development, and reporting.
This section defines key terms that are foundational to the application of the new sentencing enhancement. Specifically, "transnational repression" is defined with precise criteria, including actions reaching beyond territorial jurisdiction, involving harassment/coercion/threats/extrajudicial killing, being in the interest of a foreign power, and occurring in the U.S. or against a U.S. person. The definitions of "agent of a foreign power" and "proxy" are also critical for determining who can be prosecuted under this enhancement.
Section 4(a), particularly definitions of "agent of a foreign power," "proxy," and "transnational repression."
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure legal precision and avoid ambiguity in how the new enhancement is applied, providing clear boundaries for prosecutors and courts.
Case for: Proponents argue that clear and comprehensive definitions are essential to ensure the law is applied accurately and consistently, targeting the specific malicious activities intended without unintended overreach or misapplication.
Case against: Critics might argue that the definitions, particularly of "proxy" or the scope of "harass, coerce, or threaten," could be interpreted broadly, potentially leading to unintended applications or chilling effects on legitimate activities, or creating legal ambiguities.
Estimated impact: These definitions will determine the precise scope and applicability of the new sentencing enhancement, directly impacting who can be prosecuted under this provision and for what specific actions, thereby shaping the bill's overall effectiveness.