Espionage Act of 1917

The Espionage Act of 1917 is a United States federal law enacted by the 65th United States Congress and signed by President Woodrow Wilson on June 15, 1917, shortly after the American entry into World War I, intended to prohibit interference with military operations or recruitment, prevent insubordination in the military, and prevent support of the enemies of the United States during wartime. A press censorship provision was removed by the Senate on a single vote before passage despite Wilson's insistence it was necessary to public safety; the act instead gave the Postmaster General authority to impound or refuse to mail publications found to violate its provisions. Its 1918 Sedition Act amendments were repealed in 1921, but the original Espionage Act provisions remain in force, codified at 18 U.S.C. chapter 37.