SATELLITE COMMUNICATION PROTECTION ACT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87B00858R000600900013-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 5, 2011
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: August 15, 1986
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/05: CIA-RDP87B00858R000600900013-7
15 August 1986
OCA 86-2823
C LG EPS DO
Legislation Division
Office of Congressional Affairs
SUBJECT: Satellite Communication Protection Act
1. Attached for your review and comment is a bill introduced
by Representative Coble, which would make it illegal for a person
to interfere with the operation of a communication satellite, or
hinder or delay the transmission conveyed by a communication
satellite. Representative Coble introduced the bill in response
to an individual who took over a satellite used by a commercial
entity (HBO) in order to broadcast a message to television
viewers.
2. While the bill is not intended to cover governmental
activities, the broad language in the bill has caused some concern
in DoD and NSA. DoD is concerned that the bill not be interpreted
to cover the destruction of Soviet satellites through the use of
Anti-Satellite weapons launched in a war with the Soviets. NSA
also has expressed concern about the possible impact of the bill
on collection of intelligence from satellites. However, NSA's
concern has been eased somewhat by the fact that the bill does not
not prohibit the interception of satellite transmissions. NSA and
DoD have indicated that they will attempt to obtain legislative
history that specifies that the bill is not intended to cover
governmental activities, e.g., collection of intelligence or
destruction of communication satellites by DoD forces.
3. The bill has been circulated within DST and they have
determined that the bill would not impact on any activity being
conducted by that Directorate. I would appreciate the views of
the DO as to whether the bill would impact on any DO intelligence
activity. The bill is on a fast track, and therefore it is
important that I receive your comments within two weeks.
.Attachment as
stated
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4-JES11=611 ATE Report ior _99thCongrezs. Wednesday, August13, 1886--.2sW5pm 1EDT-j_
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Report for H. R. 4983 Satellite Commur,i cations Protection Act of 1986
As Introduced in the House
Complete Text of this version
99th CONGRESS
2d Session
To amend chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, to provide a criminal
penalty for interference with sz.tel l i to communications.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 11, 1986
Mr. Coble (for himself and Mr. Frank) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To amend chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, to provide a criminal
penalty for interference with satellite communications.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Satellite Communications Protection Act of
1986".
SEC. 2. CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE WITH SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS.
Chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by-adding at the
end the following new section:
`Sec. 1365. Interference with satellite communications
"Whoever willfully or maliciously interferes with the operation of a
communications satellite or obstructs, hinders, or delays any transmission
conveyed by means of a communications satellite shall be fined in accordance
with this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.".
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LESI-SLATE Report Page 2 August 13, 1986
SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.
Th t-hIs-of tianz-far-rtapter L5 'of fitly 16. -United StateL LndE, is
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
"1365. Interference with satellite communications.".
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/05: CIA-RDP87B00858R000600900013-7