Bill > HR7553

This bill, the Deadly Escalation by Foreign Entities Notification and Disclosure Act or the DEFEND Act, directs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to notify Congress if the DNI determines, with high or moderate confidence, that a foreign government with which the United States is at peace is deliberately seeking to cause the death of or serious bodily injury to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, either directly or indirectly (such as through a promise of payment). The bill requires the Office of the DNI to provide an initial classified briefing to Congressional leadership and committees, including information on the nature and extent of the foreign government's efforts, the officials and entities involved, the motivations, and an assessment of the impact on U.S. service members. The DNI must also provide quarterly updated briefings until the determination no longer applies.