DHS Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and Ombuds Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill creates an Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and an Intelligence Ombuds within the Department of Homeland Security. The Office will review and assess the Department’s intelligence activities to ensure they are timely, objective, and independent of political considerations. The Ombuds, a senior career employee, will advise the department on safeguarding objectivity, protecting civil rights and liberties, and providing a confidential channel for individuals to raise concerns about intelligence activities. The Ombuds will also report to Congress on urgent concerns and facilitate public understanding of these activities while protecting national security.
Key provisions
- Establishes an Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office within DHS.
- Creates an Intelligence Ombuds position reporting to the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis and Congress.
- Requires the Ombuds to advise on safeguarding objectivity and protecting civil rights and liberties.
- Provides a confidential forum for individuals to raise concerns about intelligence activities.
- Mandates the Ombuds to report to Congress on urgent concerns.
- Requires intelligence component heads to respond to Ombuds recommendations within 60 days.
- Establishes procedures for the Ombuds to access necessary departmental information.
- Requires annual reports to Congress detailing the Ombuds’ activities and findings.
Who is affected
- Department of Homeland Security employees
Bill text
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