Bill would expand sanctions, target TikTok, and block some data sales
Officially: 21st Century Peace through Strength Act
This bill would widen U.S. sanctions and money restrictions against traffickers, Russia, Iran, and some terrorist groups. It could also force certain foreign-controlled apps to be sold or removed from U.S. app stores, and it would block data brokers from giving sensitive American data to foreign adversaries. Another major piece would let the U.S. seize some frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine under set conditions.
Where it stands
Sitting in House Committee
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
- The President could sanction foreign people and groups tied to fentanyl and other synthetic opioid trafficking. That includes major Mexican cartels and the people who help them, using powers from IEEPA, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- The government would have to release a public report every year on what it did under the fentanyl sanctions section. It could add a classified section, and it must also report on foreign people targeted for fentanyl-related sanctions.
- Money and property taken from certain sanctioned cross-border criminal groups would go into existing Treasury and Justice Department forfeiture funds. Congress would get reports on that twice a year.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- Combats the Fentanyl Crisis: Supporters argue that the bill will help tackle the fentanyl epidemic by targeting the networks responsible for its distribution.
- Supports Ukraine: By seizing Russian assets, the bill provides financial aid to Ukraine for reconstruction efforts without burdening U.S. taxpayers.
- Enhances Data Privacy: The bill aims to protect Americans' sensitive data from being sold to foreign adversaries, reducing the risk of espionage.
- Threatens Free Speech: Critics argue that the TikTok ban infringes on free speech rights and could set a precedent for further censorship.
- Escalates Global Tensions: Broad sanctions on countries like Iran and Russia could lead to retaliation and increased global instability.
- Economic Impact: The bill's provisions could disrupt industries, such as data brokerage, and lead to higher costs for consumers.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail