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Counterintelligence Reform Act of 2000

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9685-9686)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 24, 2000

Counterintelligence Reform Act of 2000 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to modify procedures regarding the issuance of a court order approving the electronic surveillance of a foreign power or foreign agent suspected of espionage to authorize the issuing judge to consider past activities of the target (as well as facts and circumstances relating to current or future activities of such target) in determining whether or not probable cause exists for issuance of the order.Requires an application for an order approving electronic surveillance or physical searches under the Act to include among other things: (1) any current relationship between the target and any Federal intelligence, intelligence-related, or law enforcement activity; and (2) any prior relationship between such target and such activity that is relevant to a determination of probable cause. Sets forth certain notice requirements with respect to review of such applications.Directs the Attorney General to prescribe and submit to Congress regulations relating to the disclosure for law enforcement purposes of information acquired under this Act.Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to notify the head of the Federal department or agency in which an employee is a target of an espionage investigation that such target should be left in place for investigative purposes. Requires the head of the department or agency to submit to the Director a plan to minimize the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by such target.Directs the FBI to notify appropriate officials within the executive branch (including the head of the department or agency concerned) of the commencement of a full field espionage investigation with respect to an employee within the executive branch. Prohibits a department or agency from conducting a polygraph examination, interrogation, or otherwise take any action that is likely to alert an employee that is considered a target without prior coordination with the FBI. Makes the Director responsible for coordinating all information relating to espionage investigations, including information on any prior or current relationship between the targets and any Federal intelligence or intelligence-related activity, within the intelligence community and within and among Federal law enforcement agencies.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] · R–PA

Committees

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

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9685-9686)

  2. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 701.

  3. Committee on Intelligence. Reported by Senator Shelby with amendments. With written report No. 106-352.

  4. Committee on Intelligence. Reported by Senator Shelby with amendments. With written report No. 106-352.

  5. Committee on Intelligence. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.

  6. Referred to the Committee on Intelligence pursuant to the order of section 3(b) of Senate Resolution 400, 94th Congress, for a period not to exceed 30 days of session.

  7. Committee on the Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  8. Committee on the Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  9. Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  10. Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 106-993.

  11. Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

  12. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S799-801)

  13. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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