A bipartisan group of lawmakers has called on the Trump administration to close loopholes allowing Americans to support Chinese and Russian civilian intelligence agencies.
Existing US law bars Americans from supporting foreign military intelligence agencies, but similar civilian organizations remain outside the restrictions.
Senators Ron Wyden and John Cornyn said unfinished rules have left foreign agencies able to hire US consultants and acquire advanced surveillance, cybersecurity and AI technology.
What the loophole actually allows
Under current rules, Chinese civilian security agencies can legally hire American consultants, buy advanced surveillance equipment, and acquire cutting-edge cyber and artificial intelligence tools from US companies. The letter frames this not as a theoretical risk but an active one.
