Ripon Advance: Harrigan proposes tougher espionage punishments for foreign adversaries

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Monday, U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) sponsored legislation that aims to close loopholes in federal law that he says have allowed spies and foreign-backed actors to receive minimal punishments.

The congressman introduced the Foreign Adversary Federal Offense (FAFO) Act of 2025, H.R. 4081, alongside two GOP original cosponsors to establish mandatory minimum penalties for economic and defense espionage when committed on behalf of foreign adversaries. 

“My FAFO Act is a direct response to the growing threat posed by foreign adversaries targeting the United States from within,” Rep. Harrigan said. “When individuals steal defense secrets or compromise our critical infrastructure on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, they are committing an act of betrayal against this country. This legislation ensures they face severe, unrelenting consequences.

“There will be no plea deals, no light sentences, and no path to parole,” he added. “If you betray America, you will face the full weight of American justice.”

If enacted, H.R. 4081 would create a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence, without parole, for economic espionage carried out on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, and would impose a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence for defense espionage committed on behalf of these countries.

H.R. 4081 also would increase fines for corporations involved in economic espionage to the greater of $20 million or five times the value of the stolen trade secret, and would apply tougher penalties when the espionage threatens or harms critical infrastructure, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Harrigan’s staff.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration.