Shenandoah Valley News

Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has proposed the Protecting America From Spies Act, a legislation aimed at strengthening the United States' defenses against foreign espionage and intellectual property theft. The bill would grant the Department of State the power to deny visas to individuals suspected of engaging in acts of espionage or stealing intellectual property from the country.

In a statement, Rep. Cline expressed concern over the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing efforts to infiltrate American society and gain access to sensitive information. He emphasized the need to bolster immigration laws and prevent those who pose a threat to national security from entering the country. Rep. Cline said, "It is far past time we strengthen our immigration laws and crackdown on foreign espionage by denying those who attempt to spy or steal from the United States from entering our country."

The proposed legislation follows the closure of China's consulate in Houston, Texas, in 2020 due to evidence of espionage and intellectual property theft. Currently, spies expelled from the United States can reapply for visas immediately, creating a potential loophole that compromises national security.

The Protecting America From Spies Act seeks to address this issue by updating the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The bill would render individuals engaged in espionage or technology transfer ineligible for future visas.

The bill's companion legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). Both Rep. Cline and Senator Cruz are committed to safeguarding the nation from the threats posed by foreign spies and intellectual property theft.

Rep. Ben Cline represents Virginia's Sixth Congressional District. Prior to his political career, he worked as an attorney, serving as an assistant prosecutor and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Rep. Cline resides in Botetourt County with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children.

For more information on the Protecting America From Spies Act, refer to the Daily Caller article linked here, and the full bill text available here.

To find out more, go to this link: https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1321