PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.

Counterintelligence and Security Enhancements Act of 1994

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8326-8327)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 17, 1994

Counterintelligence and Security Enhancements Act of 1994 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit a person from becoming an employee of an agency within the U.S. intelligence community unless the person: (1) authorizes the disclosure of tax returns; (2) agrees to allow an investigative agency to inspect financial accounts valued at over $10,000; and (3) agrees to the inspection of such person's foreign travel records. Sets forth additional requirements for critical intelligence positions, including requirements for information with respect to the nature, location, and material changes to accounts valued at over $10,000 and information with respect to foreign travel unrelated to official duties. Requires authorized investigative agencies to periodically review all information so obtained and notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) upon an indication of the loss or compromise of critical intelligence information. Provides for: (1) requests by authorized investigative agencies for appropriate information from governmental entities; (2) protection of the confidentiality of such information; and (3) investigative agency liability for unlawful disclosure of such information. Empowers the FBI Director with overall responsibility for conducting counterintelligence and law enforcement investigations involving persons in critical intelligence positions. Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to report to the congressional intelligence committees on the effectiveness of such investigative activities. Requires implementation of such provisions with respect to current employees in the intelligence community as well as congressional staff having access to critical intelligence information. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to provide for the disclosure to the FBI of consumer credit reports (CRs) for counterintelligence purposes if the FBI Director certifies that such records are necessary for an investigation and there is reason to believe that the person for whom the CR is sought is a foreign power or agent. Sets forth provisions governing, with respect to such disclosures by a credit reporting agency: (1) the disclosure of identifying information to the FBI; (2) confidentiality requirements concerning such disclosure; (3) the payment of fees by the FBI for such disclosures; (4) limits on the dissemination of information contained in the CRs; (5) disciplinary actions for disclosure violations (with an exception for a good faith disclosure); and (6) remedies (including injunctive relief). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide FBI access to tax returns for counterintelligence purposes. Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to award individuals who provide information which leads to an arrest or conviction with respect to an act of espionage. Provides U.S. court jurisdiction to try cases involving acts of espionage by a U.S. citizen outside the United States. Makes the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material a misdemeanor criminal offense. Allows for the forfeiture of property for violation of certain espionage laws.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
PlainBill analysis is coming later. This page presents official source data. We have not yet published a PlainBill explanation for this bill.

Who introduced it

Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] · D–AZ

Committees

  • Intelligence (Select) Committee
15 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8326-8327)

  2. Committee on Intelligence. Hearings held.

  3. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Intelligence.

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3224)

  5. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.

Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.1948 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.

View full prompt & sources
Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine S.1948 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.

View full prompt & sources
Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine S.1948 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.

View full prompt & sources
Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine S.1948 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.

View full prompt & sources