S.1731 - Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience Act of 2025; COUNTER Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1731, the COUNTER Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to counter the People's Republic of China's (PRC) global basing intentions. This includes assessing risks posed by PRC global basing and identifying locations of concern. The bill also mandates the establishment of an interagency task force to implement the strategy and conduct quadrennial reviews.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to enhance U.S. national security by proactively addressing the expansion of PRC military presence overseas. It will likely lead to increased scrutiny of PRC activities in various countries and potentially increased diplomatic and military engagement to counter PRC influence. The bill also formalizes a process for ongoing assessment and response to PRC global basing efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened national security through proactive measures against potential threats.
- Improved interagency coordination in addressing PRC global basing.
- Enhanced strategic decision-making through comprehensive assessments and strategies.
- Potential for increased cooperation with allies in countering PRC influence.
- Greater transparency and accountability through quadrennial reviews and reports to Congress.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased tensions with the PRC due to perceived containment efforts.
- Risk of overextension of U.S. resources in countering PRC influence globally.
- Possible negative impacts on relations with countries hosting PRC bases or facilities.
- Potential for duplication of effort across various government agencies.
- The strategy's effectiveness depends heavily on accurate intelligence and effective implementation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional powers of Congress and the Executive Branch in matters of national security and foreign policy. Article I, Section 8 provides Congress the power to provide for the common defense. The bill also tasks the Executive Branch (Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense) with implementing the strategy, which falls under their constitutional authority to conduct foreign affairs and manage the military.
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).