A Republican bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The SPIES Act eliminates the statute of limitations for certain espionage offenses, specifically violations of sections 951 and 794 of title 18, and violations of section 1425 if committed to facilitate a violation of section 951. It amends Chapter 213 of title 18 and the Internal Security Act of 1950 to reflect these changes. This means there's no time limit to prosecute these crimes.
Yes
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill could improve cybersecurity by deterring espionage activities.
- Scored +2
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?
By removing the statute of limitations, the bill increases the potential for prosecuting individuals involved in espionage, which could indirectly support counter-terrorism efforts.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Eliminating the statute of limitations for espionage offenses could increase the risk of wrongful accusations based on old or unsubstantiated evidence.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- The bill could be seen as a positive step for national security. By removing the statute of limitations for espionage-related offenses under sections 951 and 794, those who commit these crimes can be held accountable no matter when they are discovered. This is under SEC. 2.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Eliminating the statute of limitations for espionage offenses under sections 951 and 794 could negatively impact individuals if it leads to prosecutions based on old or unsubstantiated evidence, increasing the risk of wrongful accusations. This is under SEC. 2.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill could improve cybersecurity by deterring espionage activities. Does this put more money into stopping terrorism? — By removing the statute of limitations, the bill increases the potential for prosecuting individuals involved in espionage, which could indirectly support counter-terrorism efforts.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Eliminating the statute of limitations for espionage offenses could increase the risk of wrongful accusations based on old or unsubstantiated evidence.
- 7/9/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota