Congressman August Pfluger Introduces The Combating Transnational Repression Act Of 2024

Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) unveiled the Combating Transnational Repression Act of 2024, a groundbreaking legislative initiative aimed at addressing the growing threat of transnational repression, including against U.S. citizens, on American soil. This legislation is co-led by Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02), the Ranking Member of the Counterterrorism Subcommittee.

In response to the alarming rise in incidents targeting individuals critical of foreign authoritarian regimes, like the Iranian regime and the Communist Chinese Party, Congressman Pfluger has taken decisive action to safeguard the rights and safety of those facing such persecution.

Transnational repression, the act of foreign governments or their proxies targeting individuals in another country using various coercive tactics, has become an increasingly concerning issue in the United States. The House Committee on Homeland Security Counterterrorism Subcommittee, led by Congressman Pfluger, has conducted extensive hearings to explore this threat, hearing testimonies from victims like Masih Alinejad, Enes Kanter Freedom, and Dr. Bob Fu, who have experienced egregious targeting on U.S. soil for their criticism of authoritarian regimes.

"The Combating Transnational Repression Act of 2024 is a crucial step in protecting the sovereignty of our nation and ensuring the safety and rights of those targeted by foreign governments. It sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate such attacks on our soil," said Congressman August Pfluger.

The Combating Transnational Repression Act of 2024 addresses this challenge by authorizing the establishment of a dedicated Transnational Repression Office within the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This office will be tasked with analyzing and monitoring transnational repression and related terrorism threats within the United States and abroad. HSI already works to investigate allegations of transnational repression and this authorization further solidifies their work to combat transnational repression.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Dedicated Transnational Repression Office: The creation of a specialized HSI office focused on transnational repression, equipped to assess and prevent such threats.

• Information Review: The newly-formed HSI office will actively review information related to transnational repression gathered by law enforcement agencies and incorporate it into its assessments.

Congressman Pfluger emphasizes the urgency of addressing transnational repression, citing instances such as the Department of Justice charging 40 officers of China’s National Police in April 2023 for engaging in transnational repression schemes targeting American citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The bill reflects a bipartisan commitment to safeguarding American values of free speech and human rights in the face of foreign interference. As Congressman Pfluger leads the charge, the Combating Transnational Repression Act of 2024 stands as a beacon of hope for those who have faced or may face transnational repression.