Rep. Laurel Lee’s Bill to Promote Transparency at DHS Passes House

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s (FL-15) bill, H.R. 8664, 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.

“Congress must conduct oversight and ensure government agencies are being transparent with the American people. My bill will ensure the handling of data and searches by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis are conducted properly to protect America’s rights and privacy,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “I am glad to see this bill pass the House today and I urge the Senate to take this legislation up to ensure our government’s information systems and bulk data collection activities are properly administered.”

Summary:

• This bill would amend the Homeland Security Act to direct the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), of DHS, to conduct an annual audit of the information systems and bulk data of I&A.
• The bill would also require the Under Secretary for I&A to submit a report to Congress that outlines the findings of every annual audit.

Read the bill text here.