Bill Summary
The "Strengthening Prosecution Integrity for Espionage Statutes Act" (SPIES Act) is a legislative proposal aimed at removing the statute of limitations for specific espionage-related offenses. Under this act, certain violations of U.S. Code Title 18, such as engaging in espionage (Section 951), conspiring to commit espionage (Section 794), or unlawfully procuring citizenship or naturalization (Section 1425) related to espionage, can be prosecuted at any time, regardless of when the offense occurred. This means that individuals who commit these serious offenses could be indicted or face legal action indefinitely, enhancing the government's ability to hold offenders accountable. The act also includes clerical amendments to ensure proper referencing within the legal framework.
Possible Impacts
The "Strengthening Prosecution Integrity for Espionage Statutes Act" (SPIES Act) could have several significant impacts on individuals and society. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Legal Consequences for Espionage**: By eliminating the statute of limitations for certain espionage-related offenses (such as violations of sections 951, 794, and 1425), individuals involved in espionage could be prosecuted at any time, regardless of when the offense occurred. This means that individuals who may have committed espionage decades ago could still face legal action, potentially leading to lengthy prison sentences. This could deter individuals from engaging in espionage activities, knowing they could be held accountable regardless of when the crime was committed.
2. **Implications for National Security**: The SPIES Act could enhance national security by allowing law enforcement and federal agencies to pursue and prosecute individuals involved in espionage without time constraints. This capability could lead to the identification and apprehension of spies or conspirators who might otherwise evade justice due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. As a result, this could strengthen the overall security framework of the nation and protect sensitive information from foreign adversaries.
3. **Impact on Immigrants and Naturalization Applicants**: The amendment to section 1425 concerning unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization could create a more stringent environment for immigrants, particularly those who may be accused of harboring or concealing individuals involved in espionage. This could lead to increased scrutiny of naturalization applicants, potentially resulting in delays or denials based on accusations of espionage, even if unproven. The fear of long-term repercussions might deter some individuals from pursuing citizenship, affecting their ability to fully integrate into society and contribute to the community.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2227 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2227
To eliminate the period of limitations for certain offenses, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 9, 2025
Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Mr. Rounds, and Mr. Lankford) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To eliminate the period of limitations for certain offenses, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Prosecution Integrity
for Espionage Statutes Act'' or the ``SPIES Act''.
SEC. 2. OFFENSES INVOLVING ESPIONAGE, PROCUREMENT OF CITIZENSHIP OR
NATURALIZATION UNLAWFULLY, OR HARBORING OR CONCEALING
PERSONS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 213 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 3302. Espionage offenses
``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an indictment may be
found or an information may be instituted at any time without
limitation for--
``(1) a violation of section 951 or a conspiracy to violate
such section;
``(2) a violation of section 794 or a conspiracy to violate
such section; or
``(3) a violation of section 1425, if the offense was
committed to facilitate a violation of section 951.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 213 of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``3302. Espionage offenses.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 19 of the Internal Security Act
of 1950 (18 U.S.C. 792 note; 64 Stat. 1005) is amended by striking ``,
793, or 794'' and inserting ``or 793''.
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