H.R.1468 - Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1468, the "Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025," aims to establish a CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice. This initiative is designed to counter nation-state threats, specifically focusing on curbing spying by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions. The bill mandates the development of an enforcement strategy targeting non-traditional collectors of technology and prioritizing the prosecution of trade secret theft, hacking, and economic espionage.
The initiative also includes investigating investments made by Chinese companies on the Entity List or the People's Republic of China Military Companies list. It requires annual reports to Congress on the progress and challenges of the CCP Initiative. The Act is set to sunset six years after its enactment.
Ultimately, the goal is to safeguard American innovation and economic security from perceived threats posed by the CCP.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased scrutiny and enforcement actions against individuals and entities suspected of engaging in economic espionage or intellectual property theft on behalf of the CCP. It could also result in stricter regulations and oversight of foreign investments from Chinese companies. The establishment of a dedicated CCP Initiative within the DOJ could lead to more focused and coordinated efforts to counter perceived threats from China.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection of U.S. intellectual property and trade secrets.
- Increased security for academic institutions and research labs.
- Deterrence of economic espionage and hacking activities.
- Greater awareness and understanding of CCP activities in the U.S.
- Improved coordination among federal agencies in countering nation-state threats.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased tensions between the U.S. and China.
- Risk of unfairly targeting individuals or entities based on national origin.
- Possible chilling effect on academic collaboration and scientific exchange.
- Increased compliance costs for businesses and institutions.
- Overly broad interpretation of 'national security' concerns could lead to abuses.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on national security and protecting U.S. interests aligns with the federal government's constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense (Preamble). The establishment of the CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice falls under Congress's legislative powers granted by Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out the government's responsibilities. However, concerns about due process and equal protection under the law (5th and 14th Amendments) could arise if the initiative is implemented in a way that unfairly targets individuals or entities based on national origin or political affiliation.
Furthermore, the potential impact on academic freedom and scientific exchange raises concerns related to the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech and expression. The balance between national security and individual liberties will be a key factor in determining the Act's overall constitutional alignment.
Finally, the sunset clause provides a built-in mechanism for review and potential termination, which is a positive aspect of the bill's design.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).