Kinzinger introduces bipartisan bill to combat foreign propaganda

Legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) would establish a comprehensive strategy to counter the propaganda and disinformation efforts of foreign governments.

The Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, H.R. 5181, introduced by Kinzinger and U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (R-CA), outlines a government-wide approach to fighting foreign propaganda that creates instability around the world.

“As Russia continues to spew its disinformation and false narratives, they undermine the United States and its interests in places like Ukraine, while also breeding further instability in these countries,” Kinzinger said. “The United States has a role to play in countering these destabilizing actions of propaganda, which is why I’m proud to introduce the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act of 2016.”

The bill would forge innovative partnerships to counter disinformation and provide truthful information to people who have been manipulated by it.

“This important legislation develops a comprehensive U.S. strategy to counter disinformation campaigns through interagency cooperation and on-the-ground partnerships with outside organizations that have experience in countering foreign propaganda,” Kinzinger said. “At a time when countries like Russia and China are engaging in hybrid warfare campaigns, the United States has a unique opportunity to respond to foreign manipulation by encouraging the free flow of truthful information. This can further prevent conflict and ensure future stability.”

Lieu said that disinformation campaigns create anti-western sentiments, manipulate public perception and subvert democracy to undermine U.S. interests.

“That’s why the Countering Foreign Disinformation and Propaganda Act is so important,” Lieu said. “The act ensures that the U.S. uses all the tools at our disposal to disrupt these vitriolic propaganda campaigns and empower those being manipulated with truthful information.  The truth can be a powerful remedy to destabilization and conflict—and we must do all we can to make sure it is heard the world over.”

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Christopher Murphy (D-CT) introduced S. 2692, a Senate version of the bill in March.