Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 10, 2005
Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, or exceeding authorized access, by causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the protected computer, and intentionally using that program or code: (1) in furtherance of another federal criminal offense; (2) to obtain or transmit personal information (including a Social Security number or other government-issued identification number, a bank or credit card number, or an associated password or access code) with intent to defraud or injure a person or cause damage to a protected computer; or (3) to impair the security protection of that computer.
Prohibits any person from bringing a civil action under state law premised upon the defendant's violating this Act.
Provides that this Act does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency or a U.S. intelligence agency.
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Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General for prosecutions needed to discourage the use of spyware and the practice called phishing.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Justice should vigorously prosecute those who use spyware to commit crimes and those that conduct phishing scams.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 - 1 (Roll no. 200).(text: CR H3703)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3744)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 744.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3703-3705)
Mr. Sensenbrenner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 50.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 109-93.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 109-93.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E219)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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