Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill authorizes the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities engaged in political warfare on behalf of foreign governments or political parties, with particular focus on China's United Front Work Department. The sanctions include freezing assets in the United States and denying visa entry to individuals involved in such activities, which the bill defines as spreading propaganda, recruiting for Chinese government-coordinated activities, disrupting protected political activities in the U.S., or using intimidation and coercion to prevent lawful American participation in activities opposed by foreign governments. The Secretary of State must determine within 90 days whether the United Front Work Department itself meets criteria for sanctions under this bill or other existing sanctions laws. The bill cites concerns about China's alleged use of the United Front Work Department for espionage, election interference, COVID-19 disinformation campaigns, and suppression of democracy in Hong Kong and religious freedoms in Xinjiang and Tibet. The sanctions authority expires on January 1, 2025, though any sanctions imposed before that date remain in effect.
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