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S. 1280

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to create a new Federal criminal offense of treasonous espionage--the unauthorized disclosure of classified information relating to national defense for profit, and to provide for the penalty of death by firing squad for such offense.

Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a criminal offense for the unauthorized disclosure of classified secret information for profit to any foreign government (or faction therein) with the intent to injure the United States or for the advantage of a foreign nation.

Authorizes the death penalty if such disclosure severely jeopardizes the national security of the United States. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to such offense, except when the Government stipulates that one or more mitigating factors exist. Requires the jury or the court (if there is no jury) to find that one or more specified mitigating factors exist. States that if such a factor exists the court shall not sentence the defendant to death. Declares that if the death penalty is imposed such sentence shall be carried out by a firing squad. Requires the Attorney General to make a live video and audio coverage of any execution available to the public.

Committee on Judiciary. Concurrently referred to the Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism.

Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK](R-AK)Sponsor
3 cosponsors3 R
3cosponsors1committees5actions10subjects
  1. Committee

    Committee on Judiciary. Concurrently referred to the Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism.

    Judiciary Committee
  2. Committee

    Committee on Judiciary requested executive comment from Justice Department.

    Judiciary Committee
  3. Committee

    Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Law.

    Terrorism, Technology, and Government Information Subcommittee
  4. IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

    Judiciary Committee
  5. IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to create a new Federal criminal offense of … — Informed