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HR 2261

Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act

119th Congress Introduced by Gabe Evans and 2 co-sponsors

HR 2261 enhances oversight of DHS intelligence, ensuring data collection respects civil rights and privacy, while improving accountability and transparency for citizens.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
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Bill Summary · HR 2261

Summary of HR 2261: Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 2261
  • Title: Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act
  • Introduced: March 21, 2025
  • Status: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security (H. Rept. 119-375)
  • Primary Sponsor: Pablo José Hernández
  • Cosponsors: Gabe Evans, Bennie G. Thompson

Purpose and Intent

The Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act aims to enhance the oversight of intelligence activities conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill seeks to ensure that intelligence collection and dissemination practices respect the civil rights and privacy of U.S. citizens, addressing concerns about potential overreach and misuse of data.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several amendments to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, including:

  1. Enhanced Oversight:

    • Mandates that any intelligence information collected by DHS must be shared, retained, and disseminated in a manner that protects privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties.
    • Establishes requirements for coordination with the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to ensure compliance with these protections.

  2. Training Requirements:

    • Requires DHS to provide training for intelligence personnel on civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights as outlined in the Privacy Act of 1974.
    • Focuses on training personnel who have the authority to disseminate intelligence information.

  3. Accountability Measures:

    • Calls for regular audits of DHS intelligence collection practices to ensure compliance with legal standards and protect citizens' rights.

Background and Need for Legislation

Recent reports, including a 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) study, have highlighted the need for improved oversight of DHS's intelligence activities. The Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has faced criticism for:
- Lack of mandatory audits of information systems.
- Concerns over bulk data collection practices that may infringe on civil liberties.

Given the unique role of I&A in connecting federal intelligence to state and local law enforcement, the bill emphasizes the importance of safeguarding citizens' constitutional rights while fulfilling national security objectives.

Impact

The legislation is expected to:
- Improve the accountability and transparency of DHS intelligence operations.
- Enhance the protection of civil liberties and privacy rights for U.S. citizens.
- Require minimal financial investment, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating implementation costs to be less than $500,000 over the 2026-2030 period.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 21, 2025: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
  • September 3, 2025: Ordered to be reported by the Committee with a unanimous vote (22-0).
  • November 12, 2025: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security and placed on the Union Calendar.

This bill represents a significant step towards ensuring that the DHS's intelligence activities are conducted with appropriate oversight and respect for individual rights, addressing both national security needs and civil liberties concerns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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