Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
H.R. 9789, the "Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act of 2026," would amend the federal criminal code's economic espionage statute (18 U.S.C. § 1839). Specifically, it changes the definition of "foreign instrumentality"—a term used in determining what counts as economic espionage on behalf of a foreign government. Currently, that definition covers entities substantially owned, controlled, sponsored, commanded, managed, or dominated by a foreign government. The bill would add a second category: any entity domiciled in a "covered nation," as that term is defined in section 4872 of title 10 (a provision that designates certain countries treated as foreign adversaries for defense-related purposes).
The practical effect is that entities based in those designated adversary countries would automatically qualify as "foreign instrumentalities" under the espionage statute, regardless of whether they can be shown to be owned or controlled by that country's government. This would primarily affect businesses, organizations, or actors headquartered in nations designated as covered adversaries, potentially broadening the scope of conduct that can be prosecuted as economic espionage involving trade secrets.
The bill was introduced on July 20, 2026, by Rep. John Moolenaar and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor consideration, or further action, and would need to pass the House and Senate and be signed into law before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
20 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9789 do?
- H.R. 9789, the "Stop PRC Economic Espionage Act of 2026," would amend the federal criminal code's economic espionage statute (18 U.S.C. § 1839). Specifically, it changes the definition of "foreign instrumentality"—a term used in determining what counts as economic espionage on behalf of a foreign government. Currently, that definition covers entities substantially owned, controlled, sponsored, commanded, managed, or dominated by a foreign government. The bill would add a second category: any entity domiciled in a "covered nation," as that term is defined in section 4872 of title 10 (a provision that designates certain countries treated as foreign adversaries for defense-related purposes). The practical effect is that entities based in those designated adversary countries would automatically qualify as "foreign instrumentalities" under the espionage statute, regardless of whether they can be shown to be owned or controlled by that country's government. This would primarily affect businesses, organizations, or actors headquartered in nations designated as covered adversaries, potentially broadening the scope of conduct that can be prosecuted as economic espionage involving trade secrets. The bill was introduced on July 20, 2026, by Rep. John Moolenaar and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor consideration, or further action, and would need to pass the House and Senate and be signed into law before taking effect.
- Has H.R. 9789 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9789. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9789?
- H.R. 9789 was sponsored by Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2] (R-MI), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9789?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (20 Jul 2026).
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