Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces FAFO Act to Crack Down on Espionage by Foreign Adversaries
Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Foreign Adversary Federal Offense (FAFO) Act, a bill that imposes tough penalties on individuals who commit economic or defense espionage for America’s top enemies: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
“My FAFO Act is a direct response to the growing threat posed by foreign adversaries targeting the United States from within,” said Congressman Harrigan. “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. If you betray America, you will face the full weight of American justice.”
The FAFO Act closes loopholes in federal law that have allowed spies and foreign-backed actors to receive minimal punishment. The bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences and increases fines for espionage that advances the interests of hostile foreign governments.
Key provisions of the FAFO Act:
- Creates a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence, without parole, for economic espionage carried out on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea
- Imposes a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence for defense espionage committed on behalf of those countries
- Increases fines for corporations involved in economic espionage to the greater of $20 million or five times the value of the stolen trade secret
- Applies tougher penalties when the espionage threatens or harms critical infrastructure
Recent cases, including the arrest of a Defense Intelligence Agency employee for attempting to share classified information with a foreign government, highlight the urgent need for stronger penalties.
Congressman Harrigan is urging his colleagues to support the FAFO Act and protect national security with laws that reflect the seriousness of these crimes.