Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of Representatives certain documents relating to Department of Homeland Security policies and activities related to domestic preparedness and collective response to terrorism and the Department's cybersecurity activities.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 114
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-04: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 6.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-09T00:11:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 114) aims to enhance congressional oversight by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide specific documents to the House of Representatives. The focus is on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies and activities related to preparing for domestic threats, responding collectively to terrorism, and cybersecurity efforts. It seeks transparency on recent executive actions and their potential risks.
Key Provisions
- Timeline for Compliance: The Secretary must transmit the requested documents to the House no later than 14 days after the resolution's adoption.
- Scope of Documents: The resolution requires copies of any relevant documentation (such as records, memos, correspondence, or communications) in the Secretary's possession. These must relate to:
- Any pause in DHS grants, loans, or other financial assistance considered or ordered on or after January 20, 2025.
- Implementation of specific executive orders (14159, 14169, 14162, 14154, 14151, 14168, 14182) and Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-25-13 within DHS.
- Evaluations of risks to domestic preparedness, terrorism response, or DHS cybersecurity activities stemming from the financial assistance pauses.
- Evaluations of similar risks from the implementation of the listed executive orders and memorandum.
- Communications with external organizations about the financial assistance pauses.
- Communications with external organizations about the implementation of the executive orders and memorandum.
- Adverse Report and Status: The resolution was reported adversely by the House Committee on Homeland Security on March 4, 2025, and placed on the House Calendar.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not amend or create new laws. As a simple resolution of the House, it is a procedural tool for oversight and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature. It enforces Congress's existing authority to request information from executive agencies but introduces no statutory changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DHS would face a short deadline to compile and review sensitive documents, potentially straining resources and requiring internal coordination. Non-compliance could lead to further congressional actions, such as subpoenas.
- On Citizens: Indirect effects may include greater public insight into DHS operations if documents are later released, potentially influencing perceptions of national security preparedness. No direct impact on individual rights or services.
- On International Relations: Minimal, as the focus is domestic; however, if cybersecurity documents reveal vulnerabilities, it could indirectly affect U.S. alliances or threat-sharing with other nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- House of Representatives: Primary beneficiary, gaining access to information for oversight of DHS.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Directly obligated to provide documents, affecting its leadership and operations.
- External Organizations: Those communicating with DHS on the specified topics (e.g., state/local governments, nonprofits, or private entities involved in grants or cybersecurity) may have their interactions scrutinized.
- Executive Branch: The referenced executive orders and memorandum suggest involvement from the President and Office of Management and Budget, potentially highlighting inter-branch tensions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's constitutional oversight role under Article I (e.g., the power to investigate executive actions). It could test the balance of powers if DHS resists disclosure on grounds like executive privilege (a legal doctrine allowing the president to withhold certain information).
- Political: The adverse committee report indicates partisan divides, possibly reflecting concerns over executive overreach in national security funding and policy implementation. The focus on post-January 20, 2025, actions (aligning with a potential presidential inauguration) suggests scrutiny of a new administration's early decisions, which could fuel debates on terrorism preparedness and cybersecurity amid evolving threats.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-04: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 6.
- 2025-03-04: Reported adversely by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-10.
- 2025-03-04: Reported adversely by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-10.
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2025-02-05: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of Representatives certain documents relating to Department of Homeland Security policies and activities related to domestic preparedness and collective response to terrorism and the Department’s cybersecurity activities. — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (3 pages)
- Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of Representatives certain documents relating to Department of Homeland Security policies and activities related to domestic preparedness and collective response to terrorism and the Department’s cybersecurity activities. — issued 2025-03-04 — PDF (4 pages)