DNII Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4876
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 450.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T18:34:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes a specific process for filling vacancies in the Director of National Intelligence position. It aims to ensure continuity of leadership by prioritizing Senate-confirmed officials within the intelligence community and limiting reliance on general vacancy rules.
Key Provisions
- The Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, if appointed with Senate confirmation, automatically assumes the duties of the Director during a vacancy or absence.
- If both the Director and Principal Deputy positions are vacant, the President must select an acting Director from Senate-confirmed officials within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
- If all Senate-confirmed positions in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are vacant, the acting Director must come from a Senate-confirmed role in any element of the intelligence community.
- Only when none of the above options apply may the President use the standard process under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates an exception to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 specifically for the Director of National Intelligence. It replaces the broader flexibility in that law with a strict hierarchy that requires acting officials to hold Senate-confirmed positions in the intelligence community before any other options are considered.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Strengthens internal continuity within the intelligence community by ensuring acting leaders are drawn from confirmed positions, potentially reducing disruptions during transitions.
- Citizens: No direct effects on individuals, though stable intelligence leadership could indirectly support national security functions.
- International relations: May enhance consistency in intelligence policy and relationships with foreign partners by limiting abrupt or external appointments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Director of National Intelligence and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
- Other elements of the intelligence community.
- The President and executive branch officials involved in appointments.
- The U.S. Senate, due to its role in confirming nominees.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure modifies the application of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, reinforcing the Senate's advice-and-consent role in intelligence leadership. It introduces a tailored succession rule that could raise questions about separation of powers and the scope of presidential authority during vacancies. The short title suggests an intent to shield intelligence operations from external interference.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 450.
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Do Not Interfere in our Intelligence Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (6 pages)