The Boland Amendment
Initially passed on December 8, 1982, this amendment to the War Powers Act of 1973, states that U.S. Agencies are prohibited from providing military equipment, training or support to anyone "for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of Nicaragua."
The literal purpose was to prevent any CIA funds or support to go to the Sadinista (rebels fighting against the communist Nicaraguan government). Congress felt this was necessary because the Reagan administration had pledged to support the Contras in their battle for freedom for their country. Unfortunately a very left leaning Democratic Congress prohibited the administration from continuing funding to support the Contras at a critical time. As it became evident this was a mistake, Congress repealed the Amendment and re-instituted the funding. ContraEventually the U.S. and Contra pressure resulted in democratic elections in Nicaragua.
The actual wording of the Amendment was interpreted to disallow only U.S. Intelligence Agencies, thus allowing members of the staff of the NSC (which is not an Intelligence Agency of the U.S. government) to route funds to the Contras. A angry democratic Congress responded by attempting to prosecute Col. Oliver North, Adm. John Poindexter and others in a set of public hearings. North was convicted on a number of charges but finally exonerated of all but a minor infraction, Adm. John Poindextor (ret'd) was convicted of lieing to Congress.
The Boland Amendment became law in a slightly different manner. On 10/20/83, it was passed as an amendment to the House Select Committee on Intelligence Intelligence Appropriations Act for FY 1984. The Bill became HR 2968, which became public law on 11/03/83. See also Presidential Directive of 1976, or Intelligence Authorization Act of 1981, the War Powers Act of 1973, or the The Hughes-Ryan Act.
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