Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Introduced
Summary
Strengthens protection of U.S. strategic military assets against modern digital and AI-assisted surveillance. The bill would broaden espionage prohibitions, require the Defense Department to list and mark sensitive platforms and bases, and increase penalties for photographing or tracking them.
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- Requires the Secretary of Defense to maintain and publish an annual list of "high-value assets" and to designate "tier-1 installations". The list must include platforms such as the Boeing E-4B, Boeing RC-135, Northrop B-2 Spirit, Rockwell B-1 Lancer, and nuclear command platforms and the DoD must install signs warning that photography and surveillance are prohibited.
- Expands the covered conduct to include digital photographs, video (including near-contemporaneous internet transmission), and AI-enhanced visual depictions. Violations can trigger device forfeiture, civil fines up to $100,000, and prison terms up to 7 years for offenses involving high-value assets or tier-1 installations.
- Defines "countries of concern" as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and treats their nationals or people acting for them as "covered persons." Such individuals face a mandatory prison term of 5 to 10 years for violations and possible visa revocation with removal proceedings.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger bans on photos, video, and AI
If enacted, the bill would expand the ban on photographing defense sites to cover digital photos, video (including near-contemporaneous internet transmission), and AI-enhanced images. It would create tiers of criminal penalties: up to 1 year in jail for general violations, up to 7 years for images of listed high-value assets or tier-1 bases, and 5 to 10 years if the defendant is a citizen or national of a listed country of concern. Devices used in violations could be forfeited and a civil fine up to $100,000 could apply. The bill would also create a rebuttable presumption that covered persons had hostile intent unless they show clear and convincing prior Defense Department approval.
Public list and signs for strategic assets
If enacted, the bill would require the Defense Department to publish a public list of "high-value assets" at least once a year. The list must include the E-4B Nightwatch, RC-135, B-2 Spirit, B-1 Lancer, and any nuclear command platform. The Secretary would also pick "tier-1" bases that host these assets and install signs telling people that photography and surveillance are banned. These rules would take effect upon enactment.
Visa revocation for certain convicted foreigners
If enacted, the bill would require that any citizen or national of a named country of concern convicted of the covered offense have their visa revoked. Those people would be placed in immigration removal proceedings under the specified immigration laws. This requirement would apply only after a criminal conviction and would take effect upon enactment.
Definitions for foreign-linked people and assets
If enacted, the bill would define which countries and people the new rules target. It names North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran as "countries of concern." It would define a "covered person" as citizens or nationals of those countries or people acting for them. It would also define "high-value asset" as items on a Defense Department list and allow the Secretary of Defense to label some bases "tier-1." These definitions would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
AR • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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