Stop Foreign Propaganda Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4923
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-19T16:28:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation, titled the Stop Foreign Propaganda Act, aims to deter the provision of media-related support to foreign entities designated as propaganda outlets, particularly those linked to sanctioned governments like Iran. It strengthens existing sanctions tools by codifying an executive order and adding penalties for media service transactions.
Key Provisions
- Codification of Executive Order: Executive Order 13846 (August 6, 2018), titled "Reimposing Certain Sanctions With Respect to Iran," is given the force of law.
- New Sanctions on Media Services: The President must impose sanctions on any person (U.S. or foreign subject to U.S. jurisdiction) who knowingly provides material support or media services—such as content, editorial work, production, or distribution—in exchange for compensation to a covered foreign media entity.
- Sanctions Types: These include blocking property transactions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, banning U.S. procurement contracts, prohibiting Export-Import Bank financing, and denying visas or entry for non-citizens.
- Waiver Authority: The President may waive sanctions if deemed in the national interest, with a required written explanation to Congress.
- Reporting Requirement: The Treasury Secretary, in consultation with the State Secretary, must submit an annual report to designated congressional committees listing violators, enforcement actions, and assessments of Iranian media financing or circumvention efforts.
- Definitions: Clarifies terms like "foreign media entity" (entities owned, controlled, or designated as propaganda tools), "knowingly," "material support or media services," and "United States person."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Converts Executive Order 13846 from temporary executive action into permanent statutory law.
- Expands sanctions authority to cover compensated media services provided to designated foreign outlets, beyond traditional financial or trade restrictions.
- Adds a new mandatory reporting mechanism focused on foreign media transactions and potential sanctions evasion.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Departments of Treasury and State in enforcement, designations, and annual reporting; involves multiple House and Senate committees in oversight.
- Citizens and Entities: Restricts U.S. persons and qualifying foreign persons from engaging in compensated media dealings with targeted outlets, potentially affecting journalists, production companies, and distributors.
- International Relations: Targets activities linked to Iran (including the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) and other sanctioned entities, which may strain diplomatic ties or influence foreign media operations involving U.S. audiences.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. media organizations, content creators, and technology platforms.
- Foreign media entities designated as propaganda instruments.
- The U.S. executive branch (President, Treasury, State).
- Congressional committees on foreign affairs, finance, and appropriations.
- Individuals or entities subject to U.S. jurisdiction engaging in cross-border media transactions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Extends sanctions to activities involving speech and information dissemination, raising questions about the balance between national security measures and expression protections.
- Applies extraterritorially to foreign persons under U.S. jurisdiction, potentially affecting international business and media partnerships.
- Establishes ongoing congressional reporting and waiver oversight, increasing legislative involvement in sanctions policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2025-08-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stop Foreign Propaganda Act — issued 2025-08-08 — PDF (6 pages)