diplomatic channels to threaten, intimidate, harass, surveil, stalk, silence, and even plot to physically harm or kidnap persons within U.S. borders. Although transnational repression often involves actions that are already prohibited by U.S. law, their foreign government backing render these activities more dangerous than the underlying acts of intimidation or harassment alone. Therefore, it is necessary to formally define and criminalize transnational repression in Federal law, and to more actively track and report on instances of transnational repression in the United States and affecting United States persons. It is also necessary to continue to work with foreign partners to address this issue in a coordinated manner, including in multilateral settings. 4. Criminalizing transnational repression (a) Offense Chapter 45 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 971. Transnational repression (a) In general Whoever knowingly commits an act of transnational repression shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both, and if death or serious bodily injury results from the act, or if such act include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, or aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both. (b) Attempt or conspiracy Whoever attempts or conspires to commit an offense under this section shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt or conspiracy. (c) Sentencing enhancement Whoever knowingly commits, attempts, or conspires to commit an offense under any other section of this title at the direction of or under the control of a foreign government or official or on behalf of their proxy while engaged in and in furtherance of transnational repression shall, in addition to the punishment authorized