DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1711
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T13:27:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act," aims to improve oversight and transparency in how the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis handles information systems and bulk data. It requires regular audits and notifications to Congress to ensure compliance with intelligence guidelines and to monitor the use of large-scale data collections.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Appropriate congressional committees" include specific Senate and House committees focused on homeland security and intelligence.
- "Bulk data" refers to large amounts of data collected without specific filters (called "discriminants," which are identifiers or selection terms), where much of the data may not be useful for intelligence purposes.
- Annual Audits: The Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at DHS must conduct an audit of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis's information systems and bulk data every year, starting 180 days after the law's enactment. These audits must follow established intelligence oversight rules.
- Notifications to Congress:
- Within 30 days of the first use of any new bulk data set for analysis, DHS must notify the relevant congressional committees, including the terms and conditions for its use.
- Within 30 days of any changes to those terms and conditions, an update must be provided.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Within 30 days after each audit, DHS must submit the findings and results to the congressional committees.
- Four years after enactment, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must review the audits' implementation, identify any challenges, and provide recommendations for improvements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by adding a new section (210H) that mandates annual audits and notifications specifically for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis's systems and bulk data. It also updates the Act's table of contents to include this new section. Previously, there were no explicit requirements for such routine audits or proactive notifications about bulk data use in this context.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DHS will face increased administrative burdens from conducting audits, preparing reports, and notifying Congress, potentially leading to more structured data management practices within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. The GAO review could result in further procedural enhancements.
- On Citizens: It may indirectly protect privacy by promoting oversight of bulk data collection and use, reducing risks of misuse of non-targeted information, though it does not directly regulate data collection from the public.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is on domestic intelligence operations; however, better oversight could enhance the U.S. government's credibility in handling sensitive data shared with international partners.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis: Directly responsible for audits, notifications, and compliance, affecting their operational workflows.
- Congressional Committees: Gain enhanced access to information on DHS intelligence activities, improving their oversight role (specifically, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, House Committee on Homeland Security, and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence).
- Government Accountability Office (GAO): Tasked with a one-time review, influencing future recommendations on federal intelligence practices.
- Broader Intelligence Community: Could set precedents for similar oversight in other agencies handling bulk data.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Strengthens accountability under existing intelligence oversight frameworks by embedding mandatory audits into law, potentially reducing legal risks from improper data handling (e.g., violations of privacy statutes like the Privacy Act).
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's oversight powers under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, ensuring executive branch intelligence activities remain subject to legislative review without infringing on executive authority.
- Political Implications: Promotes bipartisanship in intelligence reform (introduced by representatives from both parties), addressing concerns about transparency in post-9/11 surveillance practices, and could influence debates on balancing national security with civil liberties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (4 pages)