Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Jeanne Shaheen have announced that their proposed legislation, the Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures from (STOP) Enemies Act, has been enacted into law. This new measure aims to amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) by preventing active duty and retired service members from offering military education, training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries.

Senator Cornyn stated, "Our military prohibits U.S. service members from providing our enemies with weapons, ammunition, and intelligence, but military education, training, and skills need to be added to that list." He emphasized that the law will ensure serious consequences for those who transfer institutional knowledge to adversaries.

Senator Shaheen highlighted the importance of this legislation in maintaining the integrity of U.S. military capabilities: "U.S. service members are the most well-trained and prepared fighting force on the planet – they must know that sharing any knowledge of their training or U.S. capabilities with adversaries is strictly prohibited." She expressed satisfaction with the bipartisan effort leading to its enactment.

The STOP Enemies Act clarifies Article 103b of the UCMJ. Previously, this article restricted service members from supplying material items such as arms or intelligence to enemies. The new legislation expands these prohibitions to include military education and tactical advice. This expansion covers all potential adversaries, including organized enemy forces during wartime or other hostile entities.