hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Reforms Espionage Act, raises prosecution bar, adds whistleblower defenses.
Ms. Tlaib (D-MI) and several other Democratic Representatives.
Introduced in House, referred to Judiciary Committee.
This bill would change parts of the Espionage Act, making it harder for the government to prosecute individuals for sharing classified information. It raises the required intent for a crime and creates new defenses for whistleblowers. The bill was introduced by Representative Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, along with six other Democratic co-sponsors, and has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for review.
Introduced Mar 12, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 12, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for consideration. Before it can move forward, the committee must review it and potentially vote to send it to the full House for a vote. If it passes the House, it would then go to the Senate for their process, and finally to the President to be signed into law.
If passed, the bill would make it more difficult for prosecutors to win convictions under sections 793 and 798 of the Espionage Act by requiring them to prove a higher level of intent, specifically "specific intent to injure the United States or advantage any foreign nation." It would also narrow the scope of who can be prosecuted under some sections, focusing on 'covered persons' (those with authorized access to classified info) and 'foreign agents'. Additionally, a new affirmative defense would allow individuals to argue they disclosed information to reveal government wrongdoing or substantial dangers to public health or safety.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this bill protects whistleblowers and press freedom by making it harder to prosecute those who reveal government secrets in the public interest.
Critics Say
Critics might argue the bill weakens national security by making it more difficult to punish those who leak classified information.
The bill's title, referencing Daniel Ellsberg, suggests a focus on protecting individuals who disclose classified information for public good, similar to whistleblowers. Those in favor would likely highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in government. Opponents, however, could express concerns that these changes might jeopardize intelligence operations or make it easier for hostile foreign powers to obtain sensitive national defense information.