House Republicans are spearheading bipartisan efforts to shield Americans from the Chinese Communist Party’s growing threat on U.S. soil. The unanimous passage of multiple bills targeting Chinese espionage signals a rare moment of unity between parties as China’s influence operations continue to expand across American institutions.
At a glance:
• The House passed the bipartisan SHIELD Against CCP Act to counter Chinese Communist Party threats on American soil
• The legislation establishes a dedicated DHS working group to combat espionage, intellectual property theft, and transnational repression
• FBI Director described the CCP as posing a “broad and unrelenting” threat to American interests
• Three additional bipartisan bills aim to strengthen DHS capabilities against foreign regimes silencing dissidents in America
• The House Homeland Security Committee documented over 60 cases of Chinese espionage from January 2021 to February 2025
America Takes Action Against China’s Growing Threat
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation designed to counter the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party. The SHIELD Against CCP Act, co-led by Republican Representative Dale Strong and Democrat Tom Suozzi, establishes a dedicated Department of Homeland Security working group to identify and counter CCP espionage, intellectual property theft, and transnational repression. The FBI defines transnational repression as “when foreign governments reach beyond their borders to intimidate, silence, coerce, harass, or harm members of their diaspora and exile communities in the United States.”
The bill addresses multiple security concerns including predatory economic practices, border security, critical infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity threats. This rare show of bipartisan unity comes as Chinese influence operations have expanded dramatically under the Biden administration’s watch, with the House Homeland Security Committee documenting over 60 cases of Chinese espionage from January 2021 to February 2025.
“China is one of the biggest threats to our country, and they have taken every opportunity over the last four years to exploit Biden’s open borders,” said Rep. Strong. “This bill will ensure DHS has a dedicated team working to combat this threat head-on.”
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green praised the legislation, noting it “will ensure DHS prioritizes, monitors, and actively counters Beijing’s efforts to undermine our sovereignty, threaten American innovation, and spread its malign influence even in our own communities.”
Protecting Dissidents and American Freedom
The SHIELD Against CCP Act is just one part of a broader legislative package targeting foreign repression on American soil. Three additional bipartisan bills have been reintroduced to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security against transnational repression, specifically addressing tactics used by the Chinese Communist Party and Iranian regime to silence critics abroad.
The Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025 proposes establishing a dedicated DHS office to monitor and analyze threats against dissidents. This new unit would be required to submit annual reports for seven years, ensuring continuous oversight.
Building a National Defense Against CCP Infiltration
The legislative package also includes the Law Enforcement Support and Counter Transnational Repression Act, which aims to educate the public about foreign repression tactics. It also provides resources for victims and enhances international coordination.
A third bill, the Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Counter Transnational Repression Act, requires DHS to equip local law enforcement with training and resources to identify and combat foreign intimidation. The legislation mandates DHS branches engage with law enforcement and protect Americans from harm.
Freedom House, a democracy watchdog organization, ranked China as the leading perpetrator of transnational repression in 2024. The CCP has targeted democracy advocates, ethnic minorities, and even American citizens through harassment, assault, kidnapping attempts, intimidation, and coercion.
