TERRA Act

House Bill

H.R. 3654

119th Congress

TERRA Act

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Christopher H. Smith

Representative

Republican

NJ-4

Cosponsors

22

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

The TERRA Act aims to reduce the ability of foreign governments to intimidate, silence, or harm members of diaspora and exile communities living in the United States. It would impose sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in transnational repression, and require the government to develop strategies to address this issue and provide training to federal employees and law enforcement.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), 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.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The TERRA Act aims to reduce the ability of foreign governments to intimidate, silence, or harm members of diaspora and exile communities living in the United States. It would impose sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in transnational repression, and require the government to develop strategies to address this issue and provide training to federal employees and law enforcement.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Transnational Repression Policy Act This bill seeks to reduce transnational repression (the actions of foreign governments to intimidate, silence, or harm members of diaspora and exile communities to prevent them from exercising their human rights). This bill requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons (individuals and entities) that directly engage in transnational repression. This bill also requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to promote initiatives that (1) enhance international awareness of transnational repression; (2) address transnational repression, including by raising the costs of perpetrating repressive activities and by protecting targeted individuals and groups; and (3) conduct outreach to those targeted by foreign governments. Additionally, the State Department and the Department of Justice must provide training to certain individuals (e.g., relevant federal employees and law enforcement partners) on specified aspects of transnational repression. The bill also directs the intelligence community to prioritize, to the extent feasible, the identification of those perpetrating transnational repression against communities in the United States.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities engaged in transnational repression against U.S. communities
Requires the State Department to develop a strategy to address transnational repression, including raising awareness and protecting targeted individuals and groups
Directs the intelligence community to prioritize identifying perpetrators of transnational repression against U.S. communities

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If passed, this bill would directly impact diaspora and exile communities in the United States by giving the government more tools to protect them from intimidation and harm by foreign governments. It could lead to increased monitoring and sanctioning of foreign actors engaged in these repressive activities.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3654, 119th Congress (2025). "TERRA Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3654