H.R.2116 - Law Enforcement Support and Counter Transnational Repression Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2116, the Law Enforcement Support and Counter Transnational Repression Act, aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The amendment focuses on conducting a public service announcement campaign to educate the public and international allies about transnational repression and related terrorism threats. It also mandates research and development of technologies to enhance the Department of Homeland Security's ability to counter these threats.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase public awareness of transnational repression and provide resources for victims. It will also lead to the development of new technologies and techniques for countering such repression. This could result in improved detection and prevention of transnational repression activities within the United States and against U.S. persons abroad.
Potential Benefits
- Increased public awareness of transnational repression.
- Enhanced resources for victims of transnational repression.
- Development of new technologies to counter transnational repression.
- Improved coordination between federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials.
- Strengthened national security by addressing foreign government interference.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased surveillance and data collection, raising privacy concerns.
- Risk of mischaracterization or targeting of individuals or groups based on broad definitions of "agent of a foreign government."
- Possible strain on resources within the Department of Homeland Security.
- Potential for the public service announcement campaign to be perceived as propaganda.
- The definition of "transnational repression" could be interpreted too broadly.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on protecting individuals from coercion and harassment aligns with the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech and the right to petition the government. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable constitutional, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections. However, the potential for increased surveillance raises concerns about the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
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).