Huntsville Leader

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), along with Representatives Dale Strong (R-AL), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), introduced the Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures (STOP) from Enemies Act of 2024 in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to expand the definition of aiding the enemy to include providing military education, military training, and tactical advice to a foreign adversary. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.

“Protecting U.S. military training tactics from foreign adversaries is paramount to safeguarding our national security interests and maintaining a competitive edge,” said Congressman Luttrell. “The legislation we introduced today aims to protect our strategic capabilities from any adversary who attempts to exploit or undermine our national defense and military operations.”

“The scope of conflict and strategic competition is always evolving. I am proud to join my colleagues in taking steps to prevent our adversaries from exploiting the operating procedures that make our military the best on the planet. We cannot allow our own military tactics to be used against American service members,” said Rep. Strong.

“As a lifelong national security professional, I know that as the U.S. continues to compete strategically with China, it’s critical that we take all necessary steps to protect vital defense information,” said Slotkin. “This bipartisan legislation expands existing military law to ensure that current and former service members do not provide military education and training to any future adversaries. After recent public reporting of a few such cases, it’s clear that this change is direly needed, and this bill will get it done. The introduction of this bill also comes just a week after I introduced a new, separate bill to review foreign investment in the U.S. for national security risks, and I’ll continue working in Congress to safeguard our national security.”

“American military training procedures are top-notch, and we must protect them from our adversaries,” said Rep. Deluzio. “I’m proud to introduce the S.T.O.P. Enemies Act with Rep. Luttrell to clarify the Uniform Code of Military Justice and make sure that we better protect United States military training, education, and tactical advice from falling into the hands of our nation’s enemies."

Background:

Vermillion China, an investigative organization providing strategic analysis on US-China competition, identified that a Chinese national closely linked with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) special forces received training from former U.S. special forces while living in the United States from 2014-2020. During this period, he participated in multiple tactical training courses held by former U.S. special forces personnel, gaining knowledge of U.S special operations tactics which he later used upon returning to China in 2020 when he began training People’s Armed Police and PLA units.