S.1778 - Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1778, the "Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act," directs the Attorney General to prepare and submit a report to Congress on the Department of Justice's activities related to countering national security threats and espionage from the Chinese Communist Party. The report is required annually for seven years and must be made publicly available on the Department of Justice website. It includes descriptions of activities, resource allocation, and measures to protect civil rights.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to increase transparency and oversight of the Department of Justice's efforts to counter Chinese espionage. This could lead to increased public awareness and potentially inform policy adjustments based on the report's findings. The reporting requirements may also influence resource allocation within the Department of Justice.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency regarding DOJ's efforts to counter Chinese espionage.
- Increased public awareness of national security threats.
- Potential for improved resource allocation within the DOJ.
- Strengthened protection of intellectual property and research.
- Promotion of civil rights and liberties through mandated reporting on protection measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for the report to be used for political purposes.
- Risk of over-securitization and disproportionate targeting of individuals based on ethnicity.
- The report's findings may be limited by classification concerns.
- Increased administrative burden on the Department of Justice.
- Potential for unintended consequences on academic and research collaborations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). Congress's power to legislate and oversee the executive branch (Article I, Section 8) supports the requirement for the Attorney General to report on DOJ activities. The bill also addresses potential concerns related to individual liberties and privacy, reflecting constitutional protections.
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).