Combating Chinese Communist Party Influence Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7969
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-17: Referred to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-20T08:08:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Combating Chinese Communist Party Influence Act (H.R. 7969) directs the U.S. intelligence community to evaluate the national security risks from increased harmful influence operations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) conducted outside the United States, focusing on activities from January 1, 2023, over a three-year period.
Key Provisions
- Intelligence Assessment Requirement: The Director of National Intelligence (DNI), working with other intelligence agencies through the National Intelligence Council, must produce a report analyzing CCP "foreign malign influence" activities (defined as covert actions to undermine democratic processes or institutions, per existing law).
- Scope of Assessment:
- CCP influence operations in key regions: Indo-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, especially those harming U.S. interests or allies.
- Impacts on U.S. alliances, global perceptions of the U.S., financial systems, trends in CCP activities, and other national security threats.
- Reporting Timeline:
- Initial report with preliminary findings: Within 90 days of enactment.
- Final report: Within 180 days of enactment.
- Reports submitted to specific congressional committees (e.g., Senate and House Intelligence, Armed Services, Foreign Affairs/Relations) in unclassified form, with optional classified attachments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new, targeted mandate for an intelligence assessment on CCP influence; does not amend prior laws but references the definition of "foreign malign influence" from the National Security Act of 1947.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires work from the DNI and intelligence community, potentially shaping future U.S. policy on China through informed congressional oversight.
- International Relations: Could highlight threats to U.S. allies, influencing diplomacy, alliances, and responses to CCP activities in specified regions.
- Citizens: Indirect effects via enhanced national security measures or policy changes addressing foreign influence; no direct impact on individuals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Intelligence Community (DNI, National Intelligence Council, other agencies).
- Congressional Committees (e.g., Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Select Committee on Strategic Competition with CCP).
- U.S. Allies in key regions, potentially benefiting from identified threats.
- Chinese Communist Party and entities involved in influence operations (subject of scrutiny).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing intelligence authorities; ensures transparency with unclassified reports while protecting sensitive info via annexes.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role over intelligence (Article I powers) and national security.
- Political: Signals heightened U.S. focus on CCP threats, likely informing bipartisan efforts on China policy without mandating new actions beyond assessment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-17: Referred to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
- 2026-03-17: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Combating Chinese Communist Party Influence Act — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (5 pages)