H.R. 4923: Stop Foreign Propaganda Act

This bill, known as the Stop Foreign Propaganda Act, aims to impose sanctions on individuals or entities that knowingly provide media services or support to foreign media organizations that are under U.S. sanctions. Here is a breakdown of its main components:

General Purpose

The primary goal of the bill is to restrict U.S. persons and entities from engaging with foreign media outlets that are associated with the dissemination of propaganda or disinformation, particularly those backed by foreign governments that are designated as threats according to U.S. laws.

Sanctions Implementation

• Material Support and Media Services: The President is required to impose sanctions on any individual or entity that knowingly provides material support or media services to a foreign media entity that is subject to U.S. sanctions. This includes receiving payment, barter, or other forms of compensation for these services.
• Definition of Foreign Media Entity: A foreign media entity is defined as any media organization owned or controlled by a foreign government or that engages in misinformation or state-sponsored information operations.
• Sanctions Details: The sanctions may include:
• Blocking transactions involving the property of the offending entity.
• Prohibiting U.S. persons from entering into contracts with those sanctioned.
• Preventing financing assistance from U.S. government entities like the Export-Import Bank.
• Restricting visas for individuals who are not U.S. citizens.

Waiver Authority

The President has the authority to waive the application of certain sanctions if it is determined to be in the national interest of the United States. Such waivers must be accompanied by a written explanation provided to relevant congressional committees.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is mandated to submit a report to Congress within 90 days of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter. This report will include:

• A list of individuals and entities providing support to sanctioned foreign media.
• Details of enforcement actions taken under this act.
• Assessment of how sanctioned governments, like Iran, are financing or contracting with foreign media to promote their narratives or bypass U.S. sanctions.

Definitions

Key terms outlined in this bill include:

• Appropriate Congressional Committees: Specific committees in both the House and Senate that will oversee the implementation of this bill.
• Knowingly: Persons who are aware or should be aware of their actions related to providing media services.
• Material Support or Media Services: Any content, editorial services, or resources that enable the dissemination of information.

Applicability

The bill applies to both U.S. persons (citizens, residents, and U.S.-organized entities) and foreign persons that fall under U.S. jurisdiction.

Compliance with Existing Laws

It reinforces the existing sanctions imposed under executive orders and aligns with prior legislation regarding foreign propaganda and influence operations.

Relevant Companies

None found.