The revival of the counterspy, 'Active Measures Working Group' amid renewed Russian threats

U.S. lawmakers want to resurrect a Cold-War agency to flush out spies amid a fresh spate of Russian threats, according to reports.

The 2017 Intelligence Authorization Bill is heading for a full Senate vote after being passed by its Intelligence Committee back in May, according to the original story.

The bill will require the U.S. President to “establish an interagency committee to counter Russian active measures,” according to Senate press release issued in May.

Citing an anonymous U.S. intelligence source, the new group would be modeled on the now defunct “Active Measures Working Group,” a Cold War-era committee erected in the 1980s to expose covert operations by the Soviet Union.

The committee would also uncover Russian-sponsored assassinations, investigate ‘front’ groups, media manipulation, covert broadcasting, and secret funding. The FBI would also have to investigate Russian diplomats who plan to travel 50 miles from their U.S. post.

U.S. lawmakers want to resurrect a Cold-War agency to flush out spies amid a fresh spate of Russian threats.

“The threats facing our nation continue to grow and this year’s legislation provides the Intelligence Community the resourcing and authorities it needs to keep America safe,” North Carolina Senator and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr said according to a May press release.

“The bill also strengthens the Committee’s ability to conduct vigorous oversight over the intelligence activities of our government to ensure they are conducted effectively, efficiently, and within the rule of law,” Burr added.

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