DHS Surveillance Technology Moratorium Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Yvette Clarke and 6 co-sponsors

A moratorium on DHS surveillance and data analytics contracts is imposed pending public audits and reporting to boost oversight and transparency.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 9314 (Session 119)

Purpose and intent

HR 9314 proposes a moratorium on certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracts that involve the use and implementation of surveillance and data analytics technologies.

The moratorium is intended to pause such contracts pending public audits and reporting requirements, with the goal of increasing oversight, transparency, and accountability in DHS use of surveillance and data analytics tools.

Key provisions and changes

Moratorium: Imposes a pause on select DHS contracts related to surveillance and data analytics technologies. The bill defines the scope of contracts subject to the moratorium, though the exact definitions are not provided in the summary.

Public audits and reporting: Requires public-facing audits and reporting on the DHS contracts and the technologies involved. These reports are intended to shed light on how surveillance and data analytics tools are procured, deployed, and used.

Oversight mechanisms: Establishes process requirements intended to enhance Congress and public oversight, potentially including timelines for audits, eligibility criteria for contracts covered, and channels for disseminating findings.

“For other purposes”: Indicates additional related provisions may be included to support the moratorium or its oversight, which could touch on related DHS procurement practices, privacy protections, or data handling standards.

Who or what would be affected

Department of Homeland Security: The primary agency impacted, specifically its procurement and deployment of surveillance and data analytics technologies.

Contractors and vendors: Companies that provide surveillance or analytics technologies to DHS would be affected by the moratorium and reporting requirements.

Public and Congress: Audits and reporting would increase public accessibility to information about DHS surveillance tools and procurement, facilitating legislative and public scrutiny.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referrals: The bill was introduced in the House on June 15, 2026, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security for consideration of provisions within their jurisdictions.

Sponsors and support: The bill has several co-sponsors, including Nikema Williams, Dan Goldman, Yvette Clarke, Nydia Velázquez, Shri Thanedar, and Chuy García, indicating broad Democratic support in the House.

Timeline: The exact sunset, effective date, and duration of the moratorium, as well as deadlines for audits and reporting, are not specified in the provided information and would be detailed in the bill’s text.

Potential impact and considerations

Transparency and accountability: If enacted, the bill would enhance visibility into DHS surveillance and data analytics activities, potentially influencing policy debates on privacy and civil liberties.

Procurement policy: A moratorium and reporting requirements could slow or alter DHS procurement processes for certain technologies.

Privacy safeguards: Public audits may prompt DHS to consider stronger privacy protections and data minimization in the deployment of surveillance tools.

Implementation challenges: Determining which contracts are covered, how to conduct audits, and how to balance national security interests with transparency could present practical and legal questions.

If you’d like, I can refine this summary with the bill’s exact statutory definitions, scope of contracts, audit standards, and reporting timelines once the full text is available.