Restore U.S. Defenses Against Russian Espionage

Recent Administration decisions have dangerously dismantled America’s defenses against Russian active measures. These steps - taken in only six months - expose the United States to espionage, disinformation, and cyber attacks at a time when Russia remains the only foreign power with the capacity to destroy our nation. Stop Pulling FBI Agents Off Counterintelligence In May 2025, agents vital to counterintelligence were reassigned to immigration duties, and 120 agents were sent to patrol Washington, D.C. These moves drained resources from operations needed to track and disrupt Russian espionage inside our borders. Reinstate Sanctions and Asset Seizure Programs The Justice Department halted efforts to seize Russian oligarch assets and scaled back enforcement of foreign bribery laws. These actions give Russian operatives financial room to fund influence campaigns against the United States. Restore Cyber Defenses Against Russia Cyber Command was ordered to end operations against Russia, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency was told to stop reporting on Russian cyber threats, and respected leadership at the National Security Agency and Cyber Command was removed. These steps dismantle defenses that protect critical infrastructure and embolden Moscow to escalate cyber attacks. Reopen Intelligence Sharing With Allies The decision to restrict intelligence-sharing with our Five Eyes partners undermines decades of cooperative defense. Cutting off allies weakens collective deterrence and leaves the United States less informed about Russian operations. Confront the Rising National Security Risks Together these choices amount to a retreat from defending against Russian active measures. They reduce our intelligence reach, erode alliances, embolden adversaries, and create dangerous gaps in America’s security posture. Take Swift Action in Congress I urge Congress to: 1. Require the FBI to restore counterintelligence staffing. 2. Reinstate asset seizure and foreign influence enforcement programs. 3. Mandate offensive and defensive cyber operations against Russian threats. 4. Protect continuity of leadership in national security agencies. 5. Safeguard intelligence-sharing agreements with our closest allies. Act Immediately to Protect the Nation Congress must restore the defenses that keep America secure. Russia has already demonstrated its willingness to attack U.S. interests. We cannot afford to stand down when our adversary remains determined and dangerous.