Transatlantic Growth Enterprise Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5320

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-02-04T05:06:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Transatlantic Growth Enterprise Act (H.R. 5320) aims to enhance U.S. relations with select countries in Central and Eastern Europe by establishing a new program called the Transatlantic Growth Enterprise. This initiative focuses on building stronger economic, security, and diplomatic ties while promoting democracy, the rule of law (meaning fair legal systems), and civil society (non-governmental groups like nonprofits). It seeks to counter threats from Russia and China in the region.

Key Provisions

• Findings (Section 3): Congress recognizes the U.S.'s interest in promoting peace, security, and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. It highlights these countries as key NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance) partners, notes concerns about democratic backsliding (e.g., in Hungary), and identifies Russia's war in Ukraine and China's support for it as major threats. Strengthening U.S. ties in the region is seen as essential for countering these influences.

• Sense of Congress (Section 4): This non-binding statement expresses Congress's view that robust U.S. security and economic partnerships with Central and Eastern European countries are critical for national security. These nations are viewed as vital to NATO's defense against Russian aggression, and U.S. cooperation can help counter China's global influence. Investments and business ties in the region would boost economic and energy security worldwide.

• Establishment of the Transatlantic Growth Enterprise (Section 5):
• Authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (a government agency that supports private investments abroad) and other federal agencies, to run the program.
• Objectives include:
• Building stronger U.S. ties with participating countries.
• Expanding business-to-business connections, especially in economic and security sectors, through partnerships like chambers of commerce (business advocacy groups).
• Increasing energy cooperation, including in nuclear energy.
• Fostering people-to-people exchanges (e.g., cultural or educational programs).
• Enhancing security efforts to counter Russian influence.
• Reducing China's private sector presence in the region.
• Requires at least two annual meetings with stakeholders such as government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives from participating countries to discuss goals.
• Limitation: The program can only engage with governments that do not undermine U.S. interests, such as by cooperating with Russia or China in ways that allow their police or military on the country's soil, or by weakening democracy (e.g., through bilateral agreements enabling such presence).
• Reporting Requirements:
• An annual implementation report to Congress (due 180 days after enactment and yearly thereafter), covering diplomatic activities, progress on objectives, and future recommendations. It will be mostly unclassified but may include a secret section.
• A one-time energy strategy report (due within one year), assessing current U.S. energy cooperation, dependencies on Russian and Chinese energy, opportunities for U.S. involvement (e.g., infrastructure projects to reduce those dependencies), and needs for funding or new authorities.

• Definitions (Section 6): Clarifies terms like "appropriate congressional committees" (House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees), "Enterprise country" (initially Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Bulgaria; expandable by the Secretary of State to other Central and Eastern European nations), and "NATO."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new federal program (the Transatlantic Growth Enterprise) without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing U.S. foreign policy tools, such as those under the State Department and Development Finance Corporation, by mandating coordinated efforts and reporting on economic and security initiatives in the specified region. No explicit repeals or modifications to current statutes are outlined.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The State Department will lead implementation, requiring coordination with agencies like the Development Finance Corporation, potentially increasing administrative workload, diplomatic travel, and reporting obligations to Congress. This could necessitate additional funding or staff resources.

• On Citizens: U.S. citizens, particularly in business and energy sectors, may benefit from new trade and investment opportunities. In participating countries, citizens could see improved energy security (e.g., less reliance on Russian gas) and stronger democratic institutions, indirectly supporting civil society groups.

• On International Relations: The act could deepen U.S. alliances within NATO, particularly with frontline states against Russia, while isolating countries like Hungary if they align too closely with adversaries. It promotes transatlantic unity (U.S.-Europe cooperation) to counter China and Russia, potentially straining U.S. relations with non-compliant governments but fostering economic growth and security in the region.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government: State Department, Development Finance Corporation, and other agencies handling foreign aid, trade, and security; congressional foreign affairs committees for oversight.
• Businesses: U.S. companies in energy (e.g., nuclear, infrastructure), security, and general trade sectors; chambers of commerce facilitating partnerships.
• Governments and Citizens in Enterprise Countries: Officials, businesses, and civil society in Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Bulgaria (and potentially others), who stand to gain from investments but may face restrictions if seen as undermining U.S. interests.
• International Actors: NATO allies benefiting from enhanced cooperation; Russia and China, whose regional influence could be challenged.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Authorizes discretionary executive actions (e.g., expanding participating countries) while imposing congressional oversight through reports, ensuring accountability. The limitation on engagements raises potential enforcement issues, as determinations of "undermining U.S. interests" could lead to diplomatic disputes.

• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign commerce and national security under Article I, and the president's role in diplomacy under Article II, promoting a balanced approach without infringing on executive authority.

• Political: Introduced bipartisanship (by Reps. Keating and Wilson), it signals U.S. commitment to countering authoritarian influences amid ongoing geopolitical tensions (e.g., Ukraine war). It could influence future aid or sanctions policies but risks politicizing bilateral relations if countries feel excluded.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-09-11: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Transatlantic Growth Enterprise Act — issued 2025-09-11 — PDF (8 pages)