PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Sep 18, 1997
Wireless Telephone Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to penalize those who use, produce, traffic in, have control or custody of, or possess hardware or software knowing that it has been configured for altering or modifying a telecommunications instrument so that such instrument may be used to obtain unauthorized access to telecommunications services (but permits an officer, employee, or agent of, or a person under contract with, an entity that owns communications transmission facilities, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of those facilities, and holds an operating license issued by the Federal Communications Commission under authority of the Communications Act of 1934, for the purpose of protecting the property or legal rights of that carrier to use, produce, have custody or control of, or possess such hardware or software). Provides increased penalties for a second or recurrent offense for fraudulent activities involving counterfeit communications access devices. Sets penalties for attempts to engage in such activity. Defines "scanner receiver" to include a device or apparatus that can be used to intercept an electronic serial number, mobile identification number, or other identifier of any telecommunications service, equipment, or instrument (thus bringing such devices within the scope of code prohibitions against fraud and related activity in connection with access devices). Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and the policy statements of the Commission, if appropriate, to provide an appropriate penalty for offenses involving the cloning of wireless telephones, including offenses involving an attempt or conspiracy to do so, taking into account specified factors.
People & committees
Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 105-172.
Became Public Law No: 105-172.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed House amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3021)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed House amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3021)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendments to Senate bill.
A similar measure H.R. 2460 was laid on the table without objection.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed without objection.
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection.
The House struck all after the enacting clause and inserted in lieu thereof the provisions of a similar measure H.R. 2460. Agreed to without objection.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2460 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Bill is open to amendments. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill. After passage of the bill, it shall be in order to consider in the House S. 493. It shall be in order to consider a motion to strike all after the enacting clause of the Senate bill and insert in lieu thereof the provisions of H.R. 2460 as passed by the House.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 368. (consideration: CR H645)
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
The substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S12484-12487)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 167.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Referred to Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, Government.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2655-2656)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.493 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.493 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.493 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.493 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.