Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience Act of 2025; COUNTER Act of 2025
Summary
The Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience Act of 2025, or COUNTER Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy addressing the People's Republic of China's (PRC) global basing intentions. It mandates an intelligence assessment by the Director of National Intelligence and the creation of an interagency task force to counter PRC's efforts. The act also requires quadrennial reviews of the strategy.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to a more coordinated and proactive approach by the U.S. government in countering the PRC's efforts to establish overseas military bases. It will also increase transparency through required reports to Congress. The act could also strain diplomatic relations with countries that are considering hosting PRC bases.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security through a proactive strategy to counter PRC's global basing intentions.
- Improved interagency coordination and resource allocation to address the issue.
- Increased transparency and congressional oversight through required reports and assessments.
- Potential strengthening of alliances with countries concerned about PRC's expansion.
- Better-informed decision-making based on comprehensive intelligence assessments.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on diplomatic relations with countries targeted by the act.
- Risk of escalating tensions with the PRC.
- Possible overestimation of the threat posed by PRC's global basing intentions.
- Potential for the strategy to be ineffective or poorly implemented.
- The act may divert resources from other important national security priorities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's provisions for national defense and foreign policy. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense. The bill's focus on national security and defense falls within the powers granted to the legislative branch. The executive branch's role in implementing the strategy aligns with its constitutional authority to conduct foreign affairs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).