Sponsors (14)
The bill strengthens national security enforcement by explicitly covering video of defense-related information and closing a charging gap, at the cost of expanding criminal exposure for whistleblowers/journalists and likely increasing prosecutions and related expenses.
Federal prosecutors and law enforcement (DOJ) can more clearly charge people who record or transmit video of defense-related information, closing a legal gap and making enforcement more effective.
Taxpayers and national security operations gain stronger protection because explicitly covering video reduces the risk of unauthorized disclosures that could harm military or intelligence activities.
Whistleblowers, journalists, federal employees, and members of the public who record or share video of defense-related sites face greater criminal exposure and legal risk, which could chill reporting, oversight, and lawful disclosure.
Broader statutory coverage may lead to more prosecutions and enforcement actions by DOJ, increasing legal costs for defendants and administrative burden and expense for the justice system (borne by taxpayers).
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Inserts the word "video" into 18 U.S.C. § 793 so taking or transmitting video of defense-related information is explicitly covered by the espionage statute.
Official title: To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit taking or transmitting video of defense information, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 17, 2025 by Jennifer Kiggans · Last progress April 17, 2025
Makes it a crime to take or transmit video of defense-related information by explicitly adding the word "video" into the federal espionage statute. The change updates the wording of 18 U.S.C. § 793 so that video is specifically covered wherever the statute previously used a placeholder term. The bill does not create a new penalty structure or new procedures; it modifies statutory language to make clear that photographing, filming, or otherwise capturing and sending video of protected defense information falls within existing espionage prohibitions.