H.R.2675 - Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2675, the "Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act of 2025," aims to increase transparency and oversight of third-party litigation funding by foreign entities in U.S. courts. The bill requires disclosure of foreign funding sources and prohibits funding by foreign states and sovereign wealth funds. It mandates reporting to Congress on foreign third-party litigation funding activities.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase transparency in civil litigation by requiring parties to disclose foreign funding. It may also reduce the influence of foreign states and sovereign wealth funds in U.S. court cases. The reporting requirement will provide Congress with data to assess the extent of foreign influence in the U.S. legal system.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in civil litigation.
- Reduced potential for foreign influence in U.S. courts.
- Enhanced national security by limiting foreign state involvement.
- Provides data for informed policy decisions regarding foreign funding.
- Strengthens the integrity of the U.S. justice system.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the administrative burden on parties involved in litigation.
- Could potentially deter legitimate foreign investment in U.S. legal claims.
- May lead to increased litigation costs due to disclosure requirements.
- Potential for chilling effect on access to justice for some plaintiffs.
- Risk of unintended consequences due to broad definitions of 'foreign person' and 'sovereign wealth fund.'
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution by promoting transparency and protecting the integrity of the judicial system. While the Constitution does not explicitly address third-party litigation funding, Article III vests judicial power in the U.S. courts, implying a need to protect the courts from undue foreign influence. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, but this bill does not appear to infringe on that right, as it regulates funding sources rather than speech itself.
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).