What does Preamble of End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act do?

This bill aims to amend title 28, United States Code. It establishes a procedure to dismiss strategic lawsuits against public participation. These lawsuits are brought by governments, agents, and entities of foreign adversaries or other countries. The lawsuits must demonstrate a pattern of frivolous litigation against United States persons. The litigation is intended to deter the free exercise of rights under the First Amendment.

What does SHORT TITLE. of End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act do?

This Act is formally titled the "End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act".

What does MEASURES TO END STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION of End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act do?

This section amends title 28, United States Code, by adding Chapter 182 to establish a procedure to dismiss strategic lawsuits against public participation brought by certain foreign actors. A 'covered claim' is defined as a claim brought by a foreign government, agent, or person based on political opinions or covered protected speech/political activity. A 'covered country' includes countries listed as foreign adversaries or those whose citizens have engaged in frivolous litigation against U.S. citizens to deter First Amendment rights. A court may grant a special motion to dismiss a covered claim if the responding party fails to establish an exception or fails to present a prima facie case. The moving party may take an immediate interlocutory appeal from an order denying a special motion to dismiss. If the moving party prevails, there's a rebuttable presumption of an award of attorneys' fees and costs, and punitive damages may be imposed if the claim was intended to harass or delay.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICABILITY. of End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act do?

This Act takes effect on the date of its enactment. The Act applies to claims filed on or after the date of enactment. The Act's applicability extends to claims regardless of when the conduct at issue occurred.

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End Foreign Abuse of United States Courts Act

Last updated: 3/4/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2026

Author: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a legal procedure to dismiss lawsuits filed by foreign governments or entities intended to deter free speech and political activity by U.S. citizens.
Courts can dismiss 'covered claims' from 'covered countries' if they are deemed frivolous and aimed at harassing or delaying individuals exercising their First Amendment rights.
If a motion to dismiss is granted, the prevailing party may be awarded attorneys' fees, costs, and potentially punitive damages.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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