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EFF "Legislation - 104th Congress - by Bill Number" Archive

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Last Updated Thu Mar 13 10:43:05 PDT 2003

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Files in this Archive

hr1004_040395_johnson_fields.letter
Letter from Tim Johnson (D-SD) to Rep. Jack Fields (R-TX) asking him to open hearings regarding legislation in front of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.
hr1004_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Tim Johnson (D-SD). Makes transmittal of sexually oriented communications, and "annoying" communications a crime. Referred to Commerce and Judiciary Committees.
hr1004_s314_021395_rotenberg_exon_cnn.transcript
Transcript of panel consisting of Frank Sesno, David Cahill, Saul Green, Sen. Exon and Marc Rotenberg discussing the federal indictment of Jake Baker for stalking and intent to injure.
hr1004_s314_95_aclu.statement
Statement by the ACLU urging people to contact their congress member to stop the Exon amendment.
hr1004_s314_95_aversa.article
link to s314_hr1004_95_aversa.article
hr1004_s314_95_ema.analysis
Analysis of s314, the Communications Decency Act 1995, by James Bruce and Richard Pfohl, prepared for the EMA.
hr1004_s314_95_exon_post.letter
Senator Exon's letter to the Washington Post entitled "We Can't Allow Smut on the Internet" explaining his reasons for the bill and his justifications for proposing it.
hr1004_s314_95_furstenau.article
April 2, 1995 article from the Loncoln Journal-Star, Nebraska. It regards Exons actions as impulsive and not well thought out.
hr1004_s314_95_gingrich_interview.excerpt
Excerpts of an interview of Newt Gingrich by David Frost in which Gingrich discusses his views concerning the internet and pornography.
hr1004_s314_95_hutchison.statement
Statement by Kay Hutchison (R-TX) regarding her plans to review the Exon amendment.
hr1004_s314_s652_95_eff.analysis
EFF analysis of the Exon Bill and their plans for opposition.
hr1004_s652_s314_031795_stop314.alert
March 17, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
hr1004_s652_s314_032895_mim.statement
Statement by Robert Peters. president of Morality in Media, in opposition of Senator Exon's bill.
hr1004_s652_s314_040695_stop314.alert
April 4, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
hr1004_s652_s314_051995_stop314.alert
May 19, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
hr1004_s652_s314_060695_stop314.alert
June 6, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
hr1004_s652_s314_95_lynch.article
Article in the Nebraska Lincoln Journal-Star describing the notoriety that Senetor Exon has achieved in the wake of his "Decency Bill".
hr1004_s652_s314_95_steinhardt.statement
Statement by ACLU Associate Director Barry Steinhardt against the Exon amendment as published in the New York Daily News.
hr1004_s652_s314_cato.paper
Cato Institute June 28, 1995 paper comparing Sen. Exon's "Communications Decency Act" to the Comstock Law, under which great works have routinely been censored in the US.
hr1004_s652_s314_current_stop314.alert
July 14, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it in the House.
hr1004_s652_s314_kennedy.statement
Response of Teddy Kennedy to a letter concerning s314 and his position on it.
hr1004_s652_s314_rotenberg_noam_exon_cnn.transcript
Transcript of an interview on CNN between Senator Exon, Eli Noam and March Rotenberg regarding the Exon amendment and pornography on the internet.
hr1004_s714_95_leahy.statement
Statement by Senator Leahy and his alternatives for the Exon amendment.
hr1018_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Requires issuing new tamper proof, machine-readable Social Security cards with photo, name, birth date, and SSN. Authorizes wiretaps for alien smuggling. Referred to the Judiciary Committee. Superceeded H.R. 756. Incorporated into bill by Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX); now before Subcommittee on Immigration and expected to move. (June 13, 1995)
hr112_95.bill
Introduced by Represenative Kweisi Mfume (D-MD). Makes harassing electronic communications a federal crime. Referred to Judiciary Committee.
hr1157_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Bill Archer (R-TX). Creates Federal database of new employees, federal parent locator database. Disallows liability for inaccurate. Part of Contract for America. Referred to Senate Committee on Finance.
hr1200_95.bill
Introduced by Represenative Jim McDermott (D-WA). Board sets unique identifier which may be SSN. Requires each state to create database of health records for research purposes. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.
hr1214_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Bill Archer (R-TX) Creates federal database of new employees, federal parent locator database. Disallows liability for inaccurate info in locator database. Increases uses for SSN. Encourages electronic benefits transfer systems. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
hr121_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Dan Burton (R-IN). Makes transferring obscenity over computer network a federal crime. Increases penalty to ten years. Referred to Judiciary Committee. Pending in Subcommittee on Crime.
hr1234_95.bill
Introduced by Thomas (R-). Includes "administrative simplification provisions" to encourage transfer of medical information. Sets weak limits on access. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
hr1240_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Bill McCollum (R-FL). Increases penalties for using computer networks for child exploitation. Passed House and Senate 4/6/95.
hr1250_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Patsy Mink (D-HI). Creates Federal database of new employees, federal parent locator database. Disallows liability for inaccurate info in locator database. Increases uses for SSN. Defeated in House.
hr1271_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Steve Horn (R-CA). Prohibits questionnaires directed at minors of political views, mental health, sexual behavior, religious behavior, and family members without consent of parent. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Approved by Committee 3/23/95. Passed House.
hr1292_95.bill
Introduced by Lamar Smith (R-TX). Creates national employment verification system which may include id card. Referred to Judiciary Committee.
hr1528_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Henry Hyde (R-IL). Makes unlawful for Bell operating company, either directly of through affiliate, to provide intechange of telecommunications services, to manufacture and provide telecommunications equipment or manufacture customer premises equipment, or to provide alarm monitoring services without authorization of the Attorney General. Finished mark-up in Judiciary and Commerce committees; waiting on similar bill before Energy and Commerce Committee.
hr153_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Gerald Solomon (R-NY). Requires employers have explicit written policies and education and use certified laboratories before conducting drug tests. Referred to Commerce Committee and Educational Opportunities Commitee.
hr1506_95_bill.old
old version of Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act (as introduced).
hr1506_s227_95.act
Sponsored by Reps. Moorhead, Hyde, Conyers and Gekas, and Sens. Hatch & Feinstein. Passed unanimously in House, passed Senate, sent to President for signature (expected). Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995. Provides for the charging of royalties for audio recordings distributed online.
hr1555_073195_clinton.statement
Statement of the US President on HR1555, July 31, 1995.
hr1555_95.bill
Introduced by Representaitve Thomas Bliley (R-VA). Imposes duties upon common carrier and local exchange carriers to achieve equal access and interconnection to local loop for competing providers. Allows for price flexibility and abolishes rate-of-return regulation. Limits manufacturing and electronic publishing by Bell operating companies. Limits use of customer proprietary network information to that of services used in common carrier services. Permits common carrier to provide video programming to subscribers in its telephone service area. Passed by the House, with contradictory amendments, one to ban censorship of the Internet (the Cox/Wyden Amendment), one calling for such censorship (the Managers' Amendment). To be reconciled with Senate telecom bill in joint committee.
hr1555_95_bill.old
pre-passage version. Does not contain Cox/Wyden amendment or Managers' Amendement.
hr1555_95_cox-wyden.amendment
Cox/Wyden amendment (originally a separate bill, HR1978) to the House telecom reform bill. This anti-censorship legislation is in addition to Leahy/Klink language in the telecom bill. It prohibits FCC regulation of the net, but is under fire from a conflicting amendment, the Managers' Amendment, that was also passed as part of the House Telecom Reform bill, HR1555.
hr1555_95_cox-wyden_cix_080395.letter
Commerical Internet eXchange (CIX) letter to the House regarding HR 1555 (the telecom reform bill), in particular supporting the Cox/Wyden anti-censorship amendment.
hr1555_95_mgrs_amend.excerpt
Excerpt from the "Managers' Mark Amendment" to the House telecom reform bill, melded with the statute it aims to modify. This legislation, which was passed with but is inconsistent with the Cox/Wyden amendment, and the Leahy/Klink language, is an unconstitutional attempt to censor the internet. In conference committee as of Sept 20, 1995.
hr1555_95_mgrs_amend_aclu.alert
ACLU alert regarding HR1555's "Managers Mark" amendment, an Exon-bill-like provision that was "slipped in" to the House telecom bill.
hr1555_95_nader_tap_clinton_veto.letter
Open letter from consumer advocate Ralph Nader of Taxpayer Assets Project to US President William Clinton asking the President to uphold promises to veto HR1555, and outlining several of the numerous problems posed by this legislation. Curiously, Nader omits reference to the censorship sections that passed as part of HR1555's "Manager's Mark" amendment.
hr1555_95_passage_aclu.alert
ACLU alert, Aug. 4 95, regarding the Passage of HR1555, including the censorious "Managers' Mark" amendment.
hr1555_95_passage_cdt.statement
Center for Democracy & Technology statement on passage of HR1555 (including the Cox/Wyden and Managers' Mark amendments)
hr1555_hr1978_95_debate.transcript
Congressional Record transcript of debate and voting on the Cox/Wyden anti-censorship bill (HR 1978) and its amendment into the House telecom reform bill (HR 1555). (a.k.a. hr1978_hr1555_95_debate.transcript).
hr1555_s652_052595_irving_doc.speech
Statement by Larry Irving covering five key issues: (1) cable rate regulation, (2) concentration of mass media, (3) cable-telco buyouts, (4) telephone rates, and (5) universal service. (A.k.a. s652_hr1555_052595_irving_doc.speech)
hr1635_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Gephardt (D-MO). This bill is intended to combat domestic terrorism. It increasing the access and use of substantive investigative enhancements, substantive prosecutive enhancements and criminal penalties. Reffered to the Committee on the Judiciary, Banking and Financial Services and Commerce.
hr1710_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Hyde (R-IL). A bill to combat terrorism. Entitled the Comprehensive Antiterrorism Act of 1995. It lists new offenses, increased penalties, investigative tools, nuclear materials and immigration related policies. Was reffered to the Committee on the Judiciary.
hr184_95.bill
Introduced by Representaitve Cardiss Collins (D-IL). Creates national Privacy Commission with authority to oversee enforcement of Privacy Act. Referred to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.
hr195_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Marge Roukema (R-NJ). Extends access to federal, state, local and commercial databases, including IRS's, for purposes of enforcing child support. Increases use of Social Security numbers. Creates database of new hires. Gives IRS role in collection. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
hr1978_95_bill.old
Cox/Wyden amendment (originally a separate bill, HR1978) to the House telecom reform bill. This anti-censorship legislation replaced Leahy/Klink language in the telecom bill. It prohibits FCC regulation of the net, but is under fire from a conflicting amendment, the Manager's Amendment, that was also passed as part of the House Telecom Reform bill, HR1555.
hr2020_hr2127_95_istook_simpson_advocacy.amend
Amendement to various appropriations bills, including H.R. 2020 and H.R. 2127, by Rep. Istook and Sen. Simpson. Supporters say it will help keep taxpayers from being ripped off by lobbyists. Detractors claim it is an attempt to silence non-profit organizations, and censor them out of the policy-making process.
hr2020_hr2127_95_istook_simpson_amend_congress.record
debate from several months of the Congressional Record about the Istook "gag" amendment and related issues.
hr361_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Toby Roth (R-DE). Authorizes Secretary to require licenses for exports of certain commodities and technologies, specifically general application computers. Authorizes President to prohibit export of technologies that would contribute to military threat of another country. Referred to International Relations Committee and Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade.
hr3_95_bill.old
A bill introduced by Reps. McCollum, Canady, Barr and Brewster called the "Taking back our streets act of 1995" with the intention of controlling crime by establishing an effective death penalty and stopping frivolous prisioner lawsuits.
hr411_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive John Dingell (D-MI). Telecommunications reform bill. Orders FCC to conduct privacy survey of new technologies and places limits on use of Customer Propriety Number Information (CPNI). Referred to Commerce Committee.
hr434_95.bill
Introduced by Representaitve Gary Condit (D-CA). Prohibits Post Office from selling personal information to direct marketers. Referred to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.
hr435_95.bill
Introduced by Representaive Gary Condit (D-CA). Health care privacy bill. Sets limits on access, use and dissemination of personal medical information. Referred to Commerce Committee.
hr4922_94.bill
Requires telecommunications carrier to ensure its services enable governemnt, pursuant to court order or other lawful authorization, to intercept wire and electronic communications carried by carrier and to access call-identifying information available to carrier. Signed into law 10/25/94.
hr4922_94_aclu.analysis
ACLU opposed H.R. 4922, stating Bill presumes government has power to intercept private commiunications, and Bill can require private parties to create special access. FBI has not adequately shown why Wiretap Access Bill is necessary. H.R. 4922 is too broad in its application.
hr4922_94_epic.analysis
EPIC opposed H.R. 4922, stating its enactment is dangerous precedent for development of National Information Infrastructure. EPIC will obtain relevant government data under Freedom of Information Act, and will monitor FCC proceedings regarding new law.
hr4922_95_doj_implementation.notice
FBI notice of initial steps taken to implement certain provisions of H.R. 4922. FBI's Engineering Section established Telecommunication Industry Liasion Unit to address Act.
hr4922_95_funding_epic.analysis
EPIC opposes wiretap plan, stating FBI has not presented sufficient need for plan. Raises privacy concerns, and suggests ways for individuals to voice opposition.
hr4922_95_funding_epic.analysis
EPIC opposes wiretap plan. Announced campaign to rally public support. FBI Director says plan necessary to preserve crime-fighting ability of law enforcement.
hr502_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA). Amends Social Security Act to require Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish program to verify employee social security information, and to require employers to use program using an 800 number to verify employees. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
hr560_95.bill
Introduced by Represenatative Elton Gallegly (R-CA). Requires introduction of new tamperproof ID cards for immigrants. Referred to Judiciary Committee.
hr561_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Henry Gonzales (D-TX). Updates 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act to require better accuracy, less expensive credit reports, limit use of credit records for direct marketing, and prohibit most uses of reports by employers. Referred to Committee on Banking and Financial Services.
hr570_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Anthony Beilenson (D-CA). Requires issuance of new social security card which is "counterfeit-resistant...contains fingerprint identification, barcode validation, a photograph, or some other identifiable feature." Card will be sole identification allowed for work authorization. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means and Judiciary Committee.
hr666_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Bill McCollum (R-FL). Permits introduction of evidence obtained by illegal search or seizure that violates 4th Amendment, statute or rule of procedure if "objective belief" that search or seizure is legal. Does not apply to IRS or BATF. Rejected amendment by Representative Melvin Watt (D-NC) to replace language with that of 4th Amendment. Passed House 2/8/95. Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.
hr666_95_brown.analysis
Analysis of hr666, the Exclusionary Reform Act of 1995. The goal of the act is to repeal 4th amendment provision requiring court supervision of search warrants used by officials
hr668_95.bill
Introduced by Represenative Bill McCollum (R-FL). Authorizes wiretaps for investigations of illegal immigration. Passed House 2/10/95 (380-20). Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.
hr68_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Doug Bereuter (R-KA). Authorizes easier access to credit reports by FBI for "national security purposes." Referred to Committee on Banking and Financial Services.
hr756_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Authorizes wiretaps for investigations of illegal immigration and false identification. Requires issuance of enhanced, machine readable Social Security cards to all citizens and resident aliens by year 2000. Cards will include photo and SSN. Orders Attorney General to create databases for verification. Referred to Judiciary Committee.
hr785_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Nancy Johnson (R-CT). Makes SSN of parents public record by requiring their use on birth certificates and marriage licenses. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
hr830_95_bill.old
Introduced by Represenative William Clinger (R-PA) . Coordinates federal information policy including privacy and information access under OMB. Promotes information sharing. Develops privacy and computer security policies. Creates Government Information Locator Service (GILS). Controversial provision to benefit West Publishing limiting access to public records removed after Internet campaign by TAP. Passed House 2/22/95 (418-0). Combined into HR 9.
hr830_95_activism.article
Series of comments regarding H.R. 830. Privacy, copyright, and Raises social-economic issues. Questions value of "open access."
hr896_95.bill
Introduced by Representatives Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Norman Dicks (D-WA). Prohibits fund-raising for "terrorist organizations." Increases use of wiretap in terrorism cases, including "providing material support." Referred to Judiciary Committee.
hr896_95_aclu.analysis
Opposes H.R. 896 because it would severly infringe on constitutional rights. Aliens would not be afforded due process of law as Classified Information Act would be ignored. "Terrorism activity" criteria is dangerously broad, and would allow for FBI "fishing expeditions."
hr896_s390_95_cnss.analysis
Analysis of the Counterterrorism bill drafted by the Clinton adminsitration by the Center for National Security Studies. The analysis looks at the new powers that would be created that violate many precepts of the constitution and the normal American judicial system.
hr896_s390_95_nlg.alert
National Lawyers Guild alert about anti-terrorism bill HR896/S390. (symlinked to s390_hr896_95_nlg.alert)
hr906_95.bill
Introduced by Representative Robert Andrews (D-NJ). Creates new hires database. Allows access to law enforcement records and to all financial records for enforcement. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
hr9_95.bill
The Job Creation and Wage Enhancement Act of 1995. An act to create jobs, enhance wages, strengthen property rights, maintain certain economic liberties, decentralize and reduce the power of the Federal Government with respect to the States, localities, and citizens of the United States, and to increase the accountability of Federal officials. Referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs
hr9_95_bill.old
An act o create jobs, enhance wages, strengthen property rights maintain certain economic liberties, decentralize and reduce the power of the Federal Government with respect to the States, localities, and citizens of the United States, and to increase the accountability of Federal officials.
s1122_95.bill
Criminal Copyright Improvement Act of 1995; Sponsors: Leahy & Feingold. As of Nov. 1995, expected to pass. Criminalizes system operators who's systems are used by users to exchange material copyrighted by others (e.g. software piracy), *even without the sysop's permission or knowledge*.
s1136_95.bill
Anticounterfeiting Consumer Protection Act of 1995. Sponsors: Hatch, Leahy, Thurmond, Brown, Kyl, Abraham, Feinstein. Bill to "control and prevent" (contradictory as that may sound) the counterfeiting and forger of consumer goods. Though targetted at the micro-industry in fake Rolex watches and desinger clothes
s1237_95.bill
New "child pornography" bill that would criminalize even *fake* child porn. Such a law in Canada has already lead to multiple ridiculous and injust convictions, and is expected to lead to broad censorship of even classic literature from libraries (e.g. Nabokov's _Lolita_)
s1237_95_hatch.intro
Sen. Hatch's introduction to S1237.
s1284_95.bill
NII Copyright Protection Act of 1995. Sponsors: Hatch & Leahy. Based almost entirely on the flawed IITF NII Intellectual Property White Paper. Would make sweeping changes to copyright law than pander to media conglomerates, threatening the i-p rights of authors and creators, and severely limiting the public's right of fair use.
s1360_95.bill
Medical Records Confidentiality Act of 1995. Sponsors: Bennett, Dole, Leahy, Kassebaum, Kennedy, Frist, Simon, Hatch, Gregg, Stevens, Jeffords, Kohl, Daschle, Feingold. For the first time, would establish a national standard for protection of medical records. Unfortunately, this bill fails dismally, and would allow complete access to private medical records to several *million* law enforcement agents, insurance companies, credit and marketing information corporations, researchers including college students, etc. *Hearing scheduled for Nov. 14*.
s1360_95_cpt.alert
alert from Consumer Project on Technology regarding S1360, clearly outlining the problems with it.
s244_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA). Renews 1980 Paperwork Reduction Act. Coordinates federal information policy, including privacy and information access under OMB. Promotes information sharing. Develops privacy, and computer security policies. Creates Government Information Locator Service (GILS). Referred to Committee on Government Affairs. Approved by House 99-1 3/7/95. Sent to Conference Committee.
s227_95_bill.old
old version of Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act (as introduced).
s227_hr1506_95.act
Sponsored by Reps. Moorhead, Hyde, Conyers and Gekas, and Sens. Hatch & Feinstein. Passed unanimously in House, passed Senate, sent to President for signature (expected). Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995. Provides for the charging of royalties for audio recordings distributed online.
s269_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Robert Dole (R-KS) and Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY). Creates national registry for workplace verification. Increases use of wiretaps for immigration purposes. Referred to Judiciary Committee. Hearings held 3/16/95.
s294_95.bill
Introduced by Senator William Cohen (R-ME). Creates "health information network." Establishes rules for access and privacy of medical information. Allows law enforcement to obtain medical records with subpoena. Referred to Finance Committee.
s3_95.bill
Violent Crime Control and Law Enf. Improvement Act of 1995. Introduced by Bob Dole. Among other things, would extend wiretapping authority and restrict appeals for those convicted of terrorist crimes (whatever those are.)
s314_030295_iwg_pressler.letter
Letter sent by the Interactive Working Group to Senators Pressler, Exon and the Senate Commerce Committee. The letter expresses serious concerns about S. 314 (the "Communications Decency Act of 1995") from the standpoint of the First Amendment and the viability of the entire communications industry. Because of these and other concerns, the coalition asked Senator Pressler and Exon not to incorporate S. 314 into Senate telecommunications reform legislation.
s314_031595_leahy_iwg.letter
A letter from Sen. Leahy to the Interactive Working Group, including EFF and CDT among many others, asking them to explore alternatives to s314.
s314_95.bill
Introduced by Senator James Exon (D-NE). Revises Communications Act to make transmittal of sexually oriented communications a crime. Makes anonymous communications that are "annoying" a crime. Referred to Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Amended to Senate telecommunications legislation (unnumbered) 3/24/95. Telcom legislation approved by committee.
s314_hr1004_95_aversa.article
Article discussing Sen. Exon's unconstitutional legislation, and Clinton Administration draft alternatives, to keep obscenity and child pornography off the internet.
s314_95_cdt.analysis
Analysis by the Center for Democracy and Technology on s314 and how they feel the bill will affect the public.
s314_95_cspr_ieee_acm_aaai_siam_exon.letter
Letter by the leading computing societies to Senator Exon expressing their concern and dismay at what the Exon amendment will do to civil liberties.
s314_95_meeks.article
A scathing article about the Exon amendment. Not politically correct, but very much to the point.
s314_95_original.petition
The original petition distributed over the internet asking for electronic signatures to be compiled into a petition that was to be used to try to stop the Exon amendment.
s314_95_original_petition.results
The breakdown of numbers and what type of net groups who signed the petition.
s314_95_pfaw_cdt.analysis
Analysis of the Exon amendment written by the Center for Democracy and technology.
s314_95_s652.amend
The Gorton/Exon Amendment to the 1995 Senate Telecom bill, as of Mar. 23, 1995. Based on the Exon Communications Decency bill, S.314, itself based on a 1994 Exon-authored amendment to the 1994 Senate Telecom bill. This is now Title IV of S. 652, the "Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1995". It was offered as an amendment on Thursday, March 23 by Senators Exon (D-NE) and Gorton (R-WA), at a mark up before the Senate Commerce Committee. The amendment was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
s314_amend_rose.article
Article by Lance Rose, author of Netlaw, laying out what the Exon amendment would do to the internet and how the author would change the amendment to make it better.
s314_hr1004_021395_rotenberg_exon_cnn.transcript
Transcript of panel consisting of Frank Sesno, David Cahill, Saul Green, Sen. Exon and Marc Rotenberg discussing the federal indictment of Jake Baker for stalking and intent to injure.
s314_hr1004_95_aclu.statement
Statement by the ACLU urging people to contact their congress member to stop the Exon amendment.
s314_hr1004_95_ema.analysis
Analysis of s314, the Communications Decency Act 1995, by James Bruce and Richard Pfohl, prepared for the EMA.
s314_hr1004_95_exon_post.letter
Senator Exon's letter to the Washington Post entitled "We Can't Allow Smut on the Internet" explaining his reasons for the bill and his justifications for proposing it.
s314_hr1004_95_furstenau.article
April 2, 1995 article from the _Lincoln_Journal-Star_, Nebraska. It regards Exon's actions as impulsive and not well thought out.
s314_hr1004_95_gingrich_interview.excerpt
Excerpts of an interview of Newt Gingrich by David Frost in which Gingrich discusses his views concerning the Internet and pornography, and the legislation surrounding the issue.
s314_hr1004_95_hutchison.statement
Statement by Kay Hutchison (R-TX) regarding her plans to review the Exon amendment.
s314_hr1004_95_post_eff.analysis
Posted EFF analysis of the Exon Bill section by section.
s314_hr1004_s652_95.alert
The June 6, 1995 alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch regarding the Exon amendment and what can be done to stop it.
s314_hr1004_s652_95_eff.analysis
EFF analysis of the Exon Bill and their plans for opposition.
s314_most_95.commentary
News about the passage of the Exon amendment in the Senate and commentary about the ramifications of it.
s314_s652_033095_leahy_senate.statement
March 30, 1995 statement of Senator Leahy opposing the Exon amendment and why he opposes it.
s314_s652_95_032395_cdt.alert
Center for Democracy and Technology March 23 alert reporting on the passage of the Exon amendment through the Senate Commerce Committee.
s314_s652_95_afa_exon.letter
Letter to Senator Exon expressing the view that the bill in it's form as of April 4 weakens the current laws that currently prosecute obscenity violations for both phone and computers. Written by Patrick A. Trueman Director of Governmental Affairs
s314_s652_95_afa_pressler.letter
Letter to Senator Pressler by Patrick A. Trueman Director of Governmental Affairs, explaining his position about why he disagrees with the Exon amendment.
s314_s652_95_cdt.analysis
Center for Democracy and Technology analysis of revised Exon indecency legislation.
s314_s652_95_passage_eff.analysis
June 16, 1995 analysis of the passage of the Exon amendment through the Senate by the EFF.
s314_s652_hr1004_031795_stop314.alert
March 17, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s314_s652_hr1004_032895_mim.statement
Statement by Robert Peters. president of Morality in Media, in opposition of Senator Exon's bill.
s314_s652_hr1004_040695_stop314.alert
April 4, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s314_s652_hr1004_051995_stop314.alert
May 19, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s314_s652_hr1004_060695_stop314.alert
June 6, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s314_s652_hr1004_95_lynch.article
Article in the Nebraska _Lincoln_Journal-Star_ describing the notoriety that Senetor Exon has achieved in the wake of his "Decency Bill".
s314_s652_hr1004_95_steinhardt.statement
Statement by ACLU Associate Director Barry Steinhardt against the Exon amendment as published in the New York Daily News.
s314_s652_hr1004_current_stop314.alert
July 14, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it in the House.
s314_s652_hr1004_kennedy.statement
Response of Teddy Kennedy to a letter concerning s314 and his position on it.
s314_s652_hr1004_rotenberg_noam_exon_cnn.transcript
Transcript of an interview on CNN between Senator Exon, Eli Noam and March Rotenberg regarding the Exon amendment and pornography on the internet.
s314_s714_95_leahy.statement
Statement by Senator Leahy and his alternatives for the Exon amendment.
s387_95.bill
Sponsored by Senator James Exon (D-NE). Recommends study to investigate creating national systems of driving records. Will perform study with American Association of MV administrators, who currently push use of SSN. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
s390_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE). Prohibits fund raising for "terrorist organizations." Increases use of wiretap in terrorism cases including "providing material support." Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
s390_95_ncarl.analysis
Analysis of the Omnibus Counterterrorism Bill by Kit Gage of the NCARL (National Committee Against Repressive Legislation) and how to oppose it.
s390_hr896_95_cnss.analysis
Opposes S. 390, saying it creates exemption from Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act standards, and furthers the unacceptable principle of 'guilt by association.' Critisizes the bill for creating opportunity for inconsistencies by allowing the President too much discretion. Argues S. 390 'chips away' at 1st, 5th, and 6th Amendments.
s456_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ). Creates databank of new hires. Allows data matching with SSA for verification. Increases use of SSN. Referred to Committee on Finance.
s54_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC). Removes constitutional protection of violations of 4th Amendment by law enforcement officials. Permits introduction of evidence if there was an "objectively reasonable beleif" that the search or seizue was legal. Referred to the Committee in the Judiciary.
s580_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). Authorizes wiretaps for immigration & smuggling investigations. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
s652_050395_doj_leahy.letter
letter from the Justice Department in response to (D-VT) Sen. Pat Leahy's recent enquiry regarding the DoJ's position on the Exon/Gorton Communications Decency Act.
s652_051995_amend.draft
This is a draft amendment to the Exon/Gorton Communications Decency legislation buried in the Senate telecom bill, S652. This draft is being floated by Exon, the Justice Dept., which has loud objections to the language as it currently stands in May 1995, and by certain (unidentified, but rumored to include Prodigy and other) online service providers.
s652_051995_amend_draft_aclu.statement
The ACLU's statement stating that they oppose the draft of Exon's amendment that was revised as of May 23.
s652_95.bill
Sponsored by Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD). Requires local exchange carrier with capabilities to provide interconnection if reasonably requested to do so by telecommunications carrier seeking interconnection. Specific Bell operating company restrictions. Effort to open local telephone markets to competition and to accelerate private sector deployment of telecommunciations and information technologies. Passed Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Also significant in that it includes a version of of the Communication Decency Act. Signed into law, after revision in Conference Committee, Feb. 1996. Subject to numerous 1996 court challenges on constitutional grounds (while telco regulatory aspects are also seeing litigation).
s652_95_050495_cdt.alert
5/4/95 Center for Democracy and Technology alert that reports on the DOJ's opposition of Exon's amendment and their reasons for opposing it.
s652_95_a1269_feinstein_lott.amend
Amendment 1269 to S.652, by Feinstein & Lott. Passed. Mandates full scrambling for sexually exlicit cable programming
s652_95_a1271_robb_tabled.amend
Amendment 1271 to S.652, by Robb. Tabled. Proposed "Sense of Congress" resolution calling, like Leahy amendment, for study of issues around children and sexually explicit material online, but also calling for govt-mandated rating scheme for online service providers.
s652_95_a1362_exon_coats.amend
Amendment 1362 to S.652, by Exon, Coats, et al. The final Senate version of the Communications Decency Act. Passed. Largely similar to earlier Exon/Gorton and Exon legislation of same title. Current subject to numerous consitutional challenges (as of mid 1996).
s652_95_a1362_passage_eff.analysis
Full analysis by Electronic Frontier Foundation of the Comm. Decency Act as passed by Senate as part of telecom "deregulation" bill S.652. Includes text of CDA. June 16, 1995.
s652_95_acc.statements
Concerned with regional Bell operating companies' involvement in long-distance market and thier competitors. ACC's chief remaining concerns are certainty and FCC discretion regarding Bell entry, universal service, incidental relief, and price regulation. Calls on Congress to decide issue of telecommunications legislation that minimizes regulation, while encouraging competition.
s652_95_aclu.alert
March 23 ACLU alert regarding the Communications Decency Act
s652_95_aclu_providers.letter
ACLU alert regarding the Communications Decency Act that urges the recievers to stop the act by contacting their Congressional representatives.
s652_95_admin.statement
Statement released by the Administration describing all of the pros and cons of the CDA
s652_95_breaux_senate.statement
States that Congress should enact reasonable legislation for evenhanded treatment of potential major telecommunications competitors to sustain growth in industry. Suggests consideration of legislation imposing requirements on Bell operating companies.
s652_95_cst.report
Bill addresses, among other things, long distance entry by BOCs; telephone companies entry into cable; local telephone services competition; registered electronic utilities into telecommunications; protection and advancement of universal telephone service.
s652_95_exon_47usc_s223_proposed.amend
Title 47, Section 223 as it would be amended by the Communications Decency Act of Sens. Exon, Gorton & Pressler (modified version as folded into 1995 Senate telecom deregulation bill, S.652.) This draft statute text assembled from the original statute + the bill text by CDT
s652_95_exon_gorton.amend
The Gorton/Exon Amendment to the 1995 Senate Telecom bill, as of Mar. 23, 1995. Based on the Exon Communications Decency bill, S.314, itself based on a 1994 Exon-authored amendment to the 1994 Senate Telecom bill. This is now Title IV of S. 652, the "Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1995". It was offered as an amendment on Thursday, March 23 by Senators Exon (D-NE) and Gorton (R-WA), at a mark up before the Senate Commerce Committee. The amendment was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
s652_95_lott_amend_draft_cdt.notes
Article excerpted from a CDT newsletter describing how Sen. Lott (R-Miss) offered an amendment to the CDA to strike the service provider defenses from the Exon language.
s652_95_a1269_feinstein_lott.amend
Amendment 1269 to Senate Telecom Reform bill by Sens. Feinstein and Lott. Passed June 12, 1995. Requires operators of "adult" cable tv channels to scramble audio and video signal.
s652_95_a1271_robb_tabled.amend
Amendment 1271 to Senate Telecom Reform bill by Sen. Robb. This amendment was tabled June 12, 1995. A "Sense of Congress" resolution to "encourage the voluntary use of tags" or identifying marks or names for online materials that are sexually explicit. Like other tagging and rating schemes, this idea has a number of serious flaws. Unlike other proposed systems, the Robb amendment calls for a centralized industry board to oversee labelling and implementation of software to block access to labelled material, and requires the Secretary of Commerce to publicize the tags. The scheme would be voluntary under this version of the Robb amendment. Calls for a study one year down the road regarding the tags' proliferation and effectiveness. Some good points, some bad points. Mostly bad. Yet another attempt to centralize the uncentralizable, ignores the global nature of the net, and calls for a single rating system, the almost guaranteed failure of which will likely be the basis for yet more Internet censorship legislation a year from now. The tabled resolution curiously labels the Internet and BBSs "public information networks". Sponsor: Sen. Charles Robb (D-VA)
s652_hr1555_96_draft_bill.excerpt
1996 joint conference committee draft Internet censorship language from the Telecom Bill (new and not yet introduced into either house of Congress for a vote, as of Jan. 5, 1996.)
s652_hr1555_052595_irving_doc.speech
Speech by Larry Irving, the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information regarding the Clinton administration's plans to encourage growth within telecomunications and how this differs with the Congress' present view.
s652_s314_033095_leahy_senate.statement
Statement delivered by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on the floor of the Senate. Leahy makes clear his opposition to the bill, explains that the Exon approach is the wrong way to regulate interactive media, and declares that the bill would threaten the free speech and privacy rights of all users of interactive services.
s652_s314_040794_clinton_speech.excerpt
Excerpts from transcript of a speech by President Clinton on 4/7/95. The excerpts are those relevant to S.652 and S.314, from the Q&A period at the end.
s652_s314_95_032395_cdt.alert
CDT alert summarizing the information on the CDA as of March 23, 1995 when the bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee.
s652_s314_95_afa_exon.letter
Letter to Senator Exon expressing the view that the bill in it's form as of April 4 weakens the current laws that currently prosecute obscenity violations for both phone and computers. Written by Patrick A. Trueman Director of Governmental Affairs
s652_s314_95_afa_pressler.letter
Letter to Senator Pressler by Patrick A. Trueman Director of Governmental Affairs, explaining his position about why he disagrees with the Exon amendment.
s652_s314_95_cdt.analysis
Center for Democracy and Technology analysis of revised Exon indecency legislation stating what is wrong with the bill as it was revised.
s652_s314_hr1004_031795_stop314.alert
March 17, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s652_s314_hr1004_032895_mim.statement
Statement by Robert Peters. president of Morality in Media, in opposition of Senator Exon's bill.
s652_s314_hr1004_040695_stop314.alert
April 4, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s652_s314_hr1004_051995_stop314.alert
May 19, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s652_s314_hr1004_060695_stop314.alert
June 6, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it.
s652_s314_hr1004_95_eff.analysis
EFF analysis of the Exon Bill and their plans for opposition.
s652_s314_hr1004_95_lynch.article
Article in the Nebraska _Lincoln_Journal-Star_ describing the notoriety that Senetor Exon has achieved in the wake of his "Decency Bill".
s652_s314_hr1004_95_steinhardt.statement
Statement by ACLU Associate Director Barry Steinhardt published by The New York Daily News on Friday, April 7, as the "con" piece in a pro-con debate about the Senate's "Decency in Communication" Proposal. The "pro" piece was written by Senator James Exon.
s652_s314_hr1004_cato.paper
Cato Institute June 28, 1995 paper comparing Sen. Exon's "Communications Decency Act" to the Comstock Law, under which great works have routinely been censored in the US.
s652_s314_hr1004_current_stop314.alert
July 14, alert distributed by the Voters Telecommunications Watch speaking of the Exon Amendment and how to oppose it in the House.
s652_s314_hr1004_kennedy.statement
Response of Teddy Kennedy to a letter concerning s314 and his position on it.
s652_s314_hr1004_rotenberg_noam_exon_cnn.transcript
Transcript of an interview on CNN between Senator Exon, Eli Noam and March Rotenberg regarding the Exon amendment and pornography on the internet.
s652_s714_95_040795_cdt.alert
CDT Alert regarding Sen. Leahy's introduction of his alternative amendment to the CDA (S. 714).
s652_s714_95_leahy.statement
Statement by Senator Leahy and his alternatives for the Exon amendment, the "Child Protection, User Empowerment, and Free Expression in Interactive Media Study Bill" (S. 714)
s714_95.bill
(a.k.a. s652_95_a1288_leahy.amend) Text of S. 714 Sen. Leahy's bill in opposition to the Exon/Gorton/Pressler/Coats Communications Decency Act. As of the end of May 1995, the text of this Senate bill, via a House sponsor, Ron Klink (D-PA) was amended into the House telecom bill, H.R. 1555, in direct opposition to the CDA's inclusion in the Senate telecom bill, S.652.
s714_95_aan.statement
Statement by the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies adding their name to the list of organizations that support Senator Leahys alternative to the Exon amendment of the CDA and why.
s714_95_leahy_intro.statement
Statement by Senator Leahy calling for a study by the Department of Justice, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Commerce on how parents and users of interactive telecommunications systems, such as the Internet, can control the material transmitted to them over those systems.
s714_s652_95_040795_cdt.alert
CDT alert regarding Senator Leahy's alternative to Exon's amendment to the CDA and the CDTs analysis of it.
s735_051195_meeks.article
Article by Brock Meeks describing the Senates discussion about censoring the internet.
s735_95.bill
Introduced by Senator Robert Dole (R-KS). Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act of 1995. Requires Secretary of State to provide Speaker of House and Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Relations with list of products and technologies which could be used to promote or engage in terrorist activities, including "critical technologies." This version (the final, Senate-passed version) includes an amendment by Sen. Feinstein (D-CA) to restrict "bomb-making" information on the Internet and other networks (see s735_95_feinstein_amend.draft for the original version of this amendment and s735_95_feinstein_amend_draft_eff.notes for an EFF analysis of it. The version included in S.735 as it passed was substantially less threatening to free speech.
s735_95_bill.old
S.735 as introduced (does not contain the Feinstein Internet censorship amendment.
s735_95_cdt.alert
Alert dealing with the Senate hearings that tried to determine if and how the Congress should limit speech on the internet dealing with bombs and other potentially dangerous information.
s735_95_clinton.comment
Statement made by President Clinton regarding the anti-terrorism bill and how he supports it.
s735_95_epic.analysis
Questions appropriate scope of government power regarding S. 735 and Antiterrrorism Amendments Act of 1995. Antiterr. Amend. Act extends electronic surveillance capabilities of FBI, particularly wiretap capabilities. Establishes Telecommunications Compliance Fund to permit Attorney General to pay telephone companies and other firms to design wiretap-ready technology.
s735_95_feinstein_amend.draft
Amendment to s735 intorduced by Senator Feinstein intended to stop people from teching how to create explosives with intent of criminal acts.
s735_95_feinstein_amend_draft_eff.notes
EFF summary of the Feinstein amendment and analysis of it.
s735_95_gage.alert
Alert about the anti-terrorism bill, stating that it is overbroad and unecessary and why it is so.
s735_95_internet_terrorism.article
Article regarding the Senate hearings on the anti-terrorism bill and analysis of what went on.
s761_95.bill
Bill introduced by Senator Daschle that has the intent to improve the ability of the U.S. to respond to the international terrorist threat. As of May 15, 1995. Read the second time and then placed on the calender.
s761_95_bill.old
Bill introduced by Senator Daschle that has the intent to improve the ability of the U.S. to respond to the international terrorist threat. As of May 5, 1995.
s892_072495_berman_cdt_judiciary.testimony
Jerry Berman (Center for Democracy & Technology) testimony from Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, July 24 95. Berman's excellent testimony summs up quickly but in detail the very substantial arguments against the ridiculous and unconsitutional Dole/Grassley net censorship bill (the "Protection of Children from Computer Pornography Act of 1995", S892).
s892_95.bill
Dole/Grassley "Portection of Children from Computer Pornography Act of 1995" - the worst US Internet censorship legislation to date. Thoroughly unconstitutional. Fortunately, it is not expected to pass.
s892_95_bill.draft
Bill introduced by Senator Grassley to amend section 1464 of Title 18 of the USC to punish transmission by computer of indecent material to minors.
s892_95_draft_cdt.summary
Excerpt from CDT Newsletter regarding Senator Grassley's bill. It states that the bill is to be a free standing piece of legislation and not as an amendment to the CDA.
s974_95.bill
The "Anti-Electronic Racketeering Act of 1995" introduced by Sen. Grassley. This horribly written legislation would criminalize the distribution of encryption programs, and while aimed at prohibiting the unlicensed distribution of commercial software (even without a profit motive), it is so poorly worded it would ban the distribution of freeware and shareware programs, and encoding software like that used to encode binary files for emailing. Additionally, the bill is a serious, if not imminent (chances of passage are considered low) threat to privacy and free expression. Referred to Judiciary Committee as of Aug. 95.



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