PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 19, 2009
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Foreign Evidence Request Efficiency Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow any court of competent jurisdiction, as defined by this Act, to require the disclosure of stored wire or electronic communications for criminal investigations (currently, only a court with jurisdiction over the offense under investigation may issue an order for disclosure); and (2) authorize a federal judge to issue orders to execute requests from foreign judicial or law enforcement authorities for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of criminal offenses.
People & committees
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] · D–RI
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 111-79.
Became Public Law No: 111-79.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H10092-10093)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H10092-10093)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1289.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10092-10094)
Mr. Schiff moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S7373-7374)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S7373-7374)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7373-7374)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7373-7374)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6809-6810)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze S.1289 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.1289 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.1289 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.1289 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.