To ensure America's national security amid increasing global instability and chaos, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) has introduced legislation to ban the enlistment and appointment of individuals from hostile countries to the U.S. military.
Under the Targeted Restrictions Upholding Service Trustworthiness (TRUST) Act, nationals of covered nations (as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 4872(f)) are barred from enlisting in the U.S. military, including nationals of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Additionally, the legislation requires that any individual appointed as a military officer must not have been a national of a covered nation for five years preceding the appointment, while also directing the Secretary of War to report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on the number of current service members who are nationals of covered nations, including years of service and citizenship status.
"These vulnerabilities cannot be ignored," said Strong. "Our adversaries are actively targeting America's military capabilities and sensitive technologies. This common-sense bill would ensure our Armed Forces remain secure, trusted, and fully committed to defending the United States. Foreign nationals from countries who wish to do us harm have no place defending this nation."
He added, "As threats to the United States increase, both at home and abroad, we must ensure that those who wear the uniform have a duty to our nation alone."
In support of his bill, Strong pointed to several recent federal prosecutions involving espionage, foreign influence operations, and attempts to obtain sensitive U.S. military information, in which foreign nationals and service members are accused of acting on behalf of hostile foreign governments.
Strong was joined by fellow Alabamian U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) as an original cosponsor of the legislation.
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