What does Preamble of Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act do?

This bill proposes to amend chapter 37 of title 18, United States Code. The stated purpose of the bill is to improve the prohibition on espionage.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act.

What does IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROHIBITION ON ESPIONAGE. of Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act do?

This section amends Section 793 and Section 795 of title 18, United States Code, to improve the prohibition on espionage and photographing defense installations. It defines terms such as 'country of concern' (including Democratic People's Republic of Korea, People's Republic of China, Russian Federation, and Islamic Republic of Iran), 'covered person,' 'high-value asset,' and 'tier-1 installation.' It establishes a rebuttable presumption that a covered person photographing or tracking a high-value asset or tier-1 installation intends to harm the United States or benefit a foreign nation, unless prior approval from the Secretary of Defense is demonstrated. The Secretary of Defense is tasked with maintaining a list of high-value assets, designating tier-1 installations, and making these lists publicly available annually. Section 795 is amended to include video recording, visual depictions enhanced using artificial intelligence, and expands penalties for violations, with increased penalties for violations involving high-value assets or tier-1 installations, and significantly harsher penalties for citizens or nationals of countries of concern. Citizens or nationals of countries of concern convicted of violating the amended Section 795 may have their visas revoked and be subject to removal proceedings.

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Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act

Last updated: 4/30/2026 · Introduced: 4/30/2026

Author: Tom Cotton (R-AR)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill expands the prohibition on espionage by criminalizing the unauthorized photographing or tracking of designated 'high-value assets' and 'tier-1 installations' with a rebuttable presumption of intent to harm the United States.
It broadens the scope of espionage offenses to include video recording and AI-enhanced visual depictions, increasing penalties for violations, particularly those involving assets of concern.
Citizens or nationals of designated 'countries of concern' convicted of espionage violations may face visa revocation and deportation.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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