The timing is interesting, assuming it took a few years in draft before being voted to pass. According to a "Jose Canseco" like book called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, the USSR would frequently attend international trade shows and directly purchase/bribe/steal technology from westerners. But only after the fall of the union did it become a criminal act for an American commit.[0]

Then again, this was also the first period when technology really became ubiquitous. Perhaps it just reflects the spread of tech.

[0] of course treason / violation of oath was a crime, I'm just curious if anyone more versed in history than I can provide more insight.