Bills · S 3983
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3983Law
End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act
INTRO MAR 4· LAST ACTION MAR 4
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a growing concern about foreign actors using U.S. courts to harass, intimidate, and silence critics, often by filing expensive and drawn-out lawsuits without much merit. This tactic drains resources and can chill free speech, making individuals hesitant to voice opinions or report on issues relevant to public discourse.
If this bill becomes law, it could provide a crucial defense mechanism for Americans targeted by such foreign-backed SLAPPs, making it harder for foreign adversaries to weaponize the U.S. legal system. If it doesn't pass, individuals and organizations in the U.S. would continue to bear the full burden of defending against these potentially frivolous and costly lawsuits, potentially leading to more self-censorship and reduced public discourse on critical international issues.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Creates a new procedure in federal courts allowing for the quick dismissal of "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" (SLAPPs) filed by certain foreign actors.
This gives U.S. individuals a tool to swiftly end lawsuits designed to silence their free speech, rather than enduring lengthy and costly legal battles.
PROVISION 02
Defines "covered claims" as lawsuits brought by foreign adversaries or their agents/citizens that are based on a party's political opinion or protected speech.
This clearly identifies the specific types of foreign-backed lawsuits the bill aims to address, focusing on those that infringe on First Amendment rights.
PROVISION 03
Requires a court to dismiss a covered claim if the foreign plaintiff cannot show a reasonable basis for their case, or if the defendant proves there's no real factual dispute and they should win.
This shifts the burden to the foreign plaintiff to demonstrate the legitimacy of their claim early in the process, protecting defendants from frivolous actions.
PROVISION 04
Mandates a stay (pause) on all other legal proceedings, including discovery (evidence gathering), once a special motion to dismiss is filed, until the motion is resolved.
This prevents foreign actors from using the costly and time-consuming discovery process itself as a punishment or intimidation tactic.
PROVISION 05
Sets a 60-day deadline for filing the special motion to dismiss from the time the lawsuit is served or removed to federal court.
This ensures that the defense against a potential SLAPP begins promptly, preventing undue delay and escalating legal costs for the defendant.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· New Hampshire
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
99
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 4
Introduced in Senate
MAR 4
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3983
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 4, 2026
Last actionMar 4, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2026
Senate BillS 3983Law
End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act
INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 4, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
10 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
