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119-s-2227119th Congress

SPIES Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a no-time-limit for prosecutions of certain espionage crimes. This bill would allow charges at any time for violations of section 951, violations of section 794, and violations of section 1425 when the offense was committed to facilitate a violation of section 951.

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  • People accused of these specific espionage offenses could be indicted or charged at any time because the bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for those offenses.
  • Federal prosecutors and investigators could pursue or reopen espionage and related conspiracy cases without regard to how long ago the alleged conduct occurred.
  • The bill would add a new 18 U.S.C. 3302 to Chapter 213 to codify the change and update a cross-reference in the Internal Security Act to reflect the new rule.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

No time limit for espionage prosecutions

This bill would let federal prosecutors file charges at any time for certain espionage-related crimes. Charges could be brought at any time for violations or conspiracies under 18 U.S.C. 951. Charges could also be brought at any time for violations or conspiracies under 18 U.S.C. 794. For 18 U.S.C. 1425, charges could be brought at any time only if the act was done to facilitate a violation of 18 U.S.C. 951. The bill does not set an effective date or a sunset.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cornyn, John [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

    SD • R

    Sponsored 7/9/2025

  • Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 7/9/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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