Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces Bill to Require DHS Transparency, Audits
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Laurel Lee (FL-15) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) introduced the DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act. This bill will require the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to audit bulk data transferred to or from I&A to assess whether personnel’s access to and searches conducted are appropriately limited to protect American’s civil liberties, right to privacy, and civil rights.
“A recent report found that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has not conducted required audits of its information system and bulk data, which are crucial for ensuring sensitive data is handled properly,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act will require DHS to conduct audits to ensure sensitive data is handled properly to protect America’s rights and privacy.”
“As a veteran and former law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of optimizing systems to better protect our communities. A significant portion of the Department of Homeland Security’s data does not have intelligence or operational value, which bogs down the efficiency of operations and distracts from the larger mission of protecting our nation. This bipartisan effort will improve government efficiency and direct resources to better protect Americans,” said Rep. Gabe Evans.
Background:
- A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has not conducted required audits of information systems and audits of bulk data. These audits are important to ensure that searches by personnel are appropriately limited to protect the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of Americans.
- As defined by GAO, bulk data are "large quantities of data acquired without the use of discriminants (e.g., specific identifiers or search terms), most of which does not have intelligence value."
- The GAO report recommended that I&A ensure that audits of information systems and bulk data are completed in accordance with its Intelligence Oversight Guidelines.
- The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act would codify GAO's recommendation by directing the Under Secretary for I&A to conduct an annual audit of information systems and bulk data. The findings of the audits would be submitted in a report to Congress.
- In the 118th Congress, the DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act passed the House by voice.
Read the bill text here.
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