House Passes Strong Provision Banning Foreign Adversaries from Joining U.S. Military

WASHINGTON - Today, the Targeted Restrictions Upholding Service Trustworthiness (TRUST) Act, legislation championed by Representative Dale Strong, was included as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House by a vote of 213 to 207.

The TRUST Act addresses longstanding vulnerabilities in the Department of War's vetting process for screening foreign nationals from adversary nations seeking to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

"Foreign nationals from adversary countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea serving in our military pose a serious risk to our armed forces, including espionage, sabotage, and the compromise of sensitive military technologies. The TRUST Act closes these gaps, puts national security first, and ensures that the U.S. military, defense capabilities, and sensitive technologies are secure," said Congressman Strong.

The legislation bans the enlistment of foreign nationals from covered nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea; imposes stricter appointment criteria by requiring that candidates for officer commissions have not held citizenship in a covered nation for at least five years; and directs a new report to identify existing service members who are foreign nationals from covered nations.

"Our adversaries are actively targeting our military technologies and capabilities. This measure will ensure our Armed Forces are secure, trusted, and committed to defending the United States," continued Strong. "I am grateful to Chairman Mike Rogers for his support of my legislation and its inclusion in the NDAA, and I thank my colleagues for voting to pass this critical piece of legislation."

The FY27 NDAA now heads to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Additional background on the provision can be found here.

###