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DATE=9/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S CHINA SPYING (L)
NUMBER=2-254229
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 
INTRO:  U-S law enforcement authorities are broadening 
their much-criticized investigation of China's alleged 
spying at America's nuclear weapons labs.  V-O-A's 
David Swan reports on the latest developments. 
TEXT:  Officials say the longrunning probe will be 
renewed and expanded to cover a new range of possible 
suspects and targets.  Democratic Senator Patrick 
Leahy, one of the lawmakers briefed on the case 
(Wednesday) by administration officials, says a fresh 
approach is called for.
            /// LEAHY ACT ///
      Sometimes we can identify both the crime and the 
      criminal too quickly.  And I think this is a 
      case where as more and more information comes 
      out, it cries out for re-evaluation.
            /// END ACT ///
The only potential criminal identified so far is 
Taiwanese-born scientist Wen Ho Lee.  Critics argue 
the investigation has focused too closely on him.
Authorities say they believe Mr. Lee, who worked at 
the Los Alamos lab, gave Beijing the secrets behind an 
American nuclear warhead.  But though he was fired he 
has yet to be formally charged.  He denies wrongdoing 
and says he was targeted because of his ancestry.
Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, who was also briefed 
by the administration declines to say if there are now 
other suspects.  But he agrees the wider inquiry 
should be useful.
            /// HATCH ACT ///
      They're expanding the investigation because it 
      needs to be expanded and it needs to be more 
      thoroughly done.  And I think they're doing 
      exactly what's right.
            /// END ACT ///
Meanwhile, Congress is trying to impose its own 
solutions.  Both the House and Senate have voted to 
reorganize the Energy Department in an effort to 
tighten security at the nuclear labs.  That measure 
now goes to the president. (Signed)
NEB/DS/TVM/PT
22-Sep-1999 20:35 PM LOC (23-Sep-1999 0035 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.