Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act
Latest action (30 Apr 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act would amend federal espionage laws in title 18 of the U.S. Code to add new provisions targeting the photographing, videoing, or tracking of certain sensitive U.S. military assets and installations. It defines "countries of concern" as North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran, and creates a "high-value asset" list (including specific aircraft such as the E-4B, RC-135, B-2, and B-1, plus nuclear command platforms) and a "tier-1 installation" designation for sites housing such assets or critical strategic missions. For citizens or agents of these countries, the bill creates a rebuttable legal presumption that photographing or tracking such assets was done with harmful intent, unless they can show prior Defense Department approval. It also strengthens penalties for photographing or sketching defense installations generally, with harsher prison terms, fines, and forfeiture for violations involving high-value assets, and mandatory minimum sentences for nationals of the listed countries.
The bill primarily affects foreign nationals from the four named countries, as well as anyone photographing or surveilling designated military assets or installations. It also requires the Secretary of Defense to publicly list covered assets/installations and post warning signs. Convicted foreign nationals from the listed countries would face visa revocation and removal proceedings under immigration law.
The bill was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton on April 30, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on April 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 4461 do?
- The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act would amend federal espionage laws in title 18 of the U.S. Code to add new provisions targeting the photographing, videoing, or tracking of certain sensitive U.S. military assets and installations. It defines "countries of concern" as North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran, and creates a "high-value asset" list (including specific aircraft such as the E-4B, RC-135, B-2, and B-1, plus nuclear command platforms) and a "tier-1 installation" designation for sites housing such assets or critical strategic missions. For citizens or agents of these countries, the bill creates a rebuttable legal presumption that photographing or tracking such assets was done with harmful intent, unless they can show prior Defense Department approval. It also strengthens penalties for photographing or sketching defense installations generally, with harsher prison terms, fines, and forfeiture for violations involving high-value assets, and mandatory minimum sentences for nationals of the listed countries. The bill primarily affects foreign nationals from the four named countries, as well as anyone photographing or surveilling designated military assets or installations. It also requires the Secretary of Defense to publicly list covered assets/installations and post warning signs. Convicted foreign nationals from the listed countries would face visa revocation and removal proceedings under immigration law. The bill was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton on April 30, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has S. 4461 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Apr 2026, S. 4461 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 4461?
- S. 4461 was sponsored by Sen. Tom Cotton [R-AR] (Republican-AR), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4461?
- Introduced (30 Apr 2026).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Safe Cloud Storage Act
Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act
BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act
Officer Leslie Coffelt U.S. Secret Service Police Act of 2026
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.