Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Counter Transnational Repression Act
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Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
ID: M001223
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
April 9, 2025
Introduced
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
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1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another exercise in legislative theater, courtesy of our esteemed Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?
**Main Purpose & Objectives**
The Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Counter Transnational Repression Act (HR 2139) claims to aim at combating transnational repression and terrorism threats related to it. In reality, its primary objective is to create a new bureaucratic behemoth, further entrenching the surveillance state and expanding the Department of Homeland Security's powers.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**
The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by adding a new section (890E) that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a training program for state, local, Tribal, campus, and territorial law enforcement personnel. This program will supposedly enhance their capabilities to counter transnational repression and terrorism threats.
In reality, this provision is a Trojan horse for increased federal control over local law enforcement agencies, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to dictate how they operate and what information they collect. The bill also expands the definition of "transnational repression" to include vague terms like "coercion," "harassment," and "digitally or physically threatening," which will inevitably be used to justify further surveillance and censorship.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**
The affected parties include:
* State, local, Tribal, campus, and territorial law enforcement agencies * The Department of Homeland Security * Private sector stakeholders (read: defense contractors and surveillance technology companies) * Faith-based organizations * Educational institutions * Communities that may be targets or victims of transnational repression (i.e., minority groups)
**Potential Impact & Implications**
This bill will likely lead to:
* Increased federal control over local law enforcement agencies, eroding community trust and autonomy * Expanded surveillance powers for the Department of Homeland Security, further infringing on civil liberties * More opportunities for defense contractors and surveillance technology companies to profit from government contracts * Greater stigmatization and marginalization of minority groups, who will be disproportionately targeted by this legislation
In short, HR 2139 is a masterclass in legislative doublespeak, using the guise of "combating transnational repression" to justify further entrenchment of the surveillance state and expansion of federal powers. It's a classic case of "security theater," designed to make Americans feel safer while actually eroding their civil liberties.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch this farce unfold.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 6 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
ID: P000048
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
ID: G000599
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]
ID: E000300
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
ID: F000466
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14]
ID: S001193
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
ID: S001201
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 42 nodes and 42 connections
Total contributions: $114,000
Top Donors - Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
Showing top 24 donors by contribution amount