Bill Summary
The "Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act" is a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the security of sensitive research and development activities within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It mandates the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate to create a comprehensive policy and process to protect research from unauthorized access and disclosure of sensitive information.
Key provisions of the Act include:
1. **Policy Development**: The Act requires the establishment of a Department-wide policy to safeguard sensitive research and development acquisitions.
2. **GAO Reporting**: Within one year of its enactment, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on DHS's compliance with existing national security guidelines, specifically the National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33), and the implementation guidance provided by the National Science and Technology Council.
3. **Congressional Briefing**: The Secretary of Homeland Security is obligated to brief congressional committees within 90 days post-enactment on the new policies and processes developed to secure DHS research and development activities.
Overall, the legislation emphasizes the importance of research security within DHS, ensuring compliance with national standards and protecting sensitive information related to national security research efforts.
Possible Impacts
The "Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act" has several implications for individuals and organizations. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Job Security for Researchers**: With the implementation of a Department-wide policy to safeguard sensitive research and development information, researchers working within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may experience increased job security. By ensuring that their work is protected from unauthorized access and disclosure, the legislation can foster a more secure environment for innovation and collaboration, potentially leading to more stable funding and job positions for researchers.
2. **Increased Accountability for Compliance**: The requirement for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on DHS's compliance with national security guidelines could lead to stricter oversight and accountability within the agency. This might impact employees and contractors involved in research and development as they will need to adhere to new compliance measures and reporting procedures. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary actions, affecting their careers and the organization's ability to carry out projects.
3. **Impacts on Collaboration with External Organizations**: The legislation emphasizes the coordination of research security policies with various federal agencies. This could affect academic and private sector researchers who collaborate with DHS. They may face additional scrutiny and compliance requirements when sharing sensitive information or conducting joint research projects. This heightened security protocol could either deter collaboration due to increased administrative burdens or encourage more rigorous protection of sensitive data, ultimately shaping how research partnerships are formed and maintained.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 901 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 901
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 11 (legislative day, March 10), 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To require the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology
Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a
Department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and
development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive
information in research and development acquisitions, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Research Security and Accountability
in DHS Act''.
SEC. 2. SAFEGUARDING SENSITIVE RESEARCH IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY.
(a) In General.--Section 302 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(6 U.S.C. 182) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (14), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(15) developing, in coordination with appropriate agency
officials, a Department-wide policy and process to safeguard
research and development from unauthorized access to or
disclosure of sensitive information in research and development
acquisitions.''.
(b) GAO Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a
report on how the Department of Homeland Security has complied
with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and
adopted the National Science and Technology Council's 2022
implementation guidance.
(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall address the following:
(A) How the Department of Homeland Security has
complied with disclosure requirements outlined in NSPM-
33, and how violations are reported to the relevant
executive agencies, including in the intelligence
community (as such term is defined in section 3(4) of
the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)).
(B) Coordination and compliance with guidelines
established by the National Science Foundation, the
National Science Technology Council, the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, and other executive
agencies regarding Federal research security.
(C) The role of the Science and Technology
Directorate of the Department regarding establishing a
research security framework for research and
development projects across the Department.
(c) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate a briefing addressing the development of policies
and processes to safeguard Department of Homeland Security research and
development in accordance with paragraph (15) of section 302 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 182), as added by subsection
(a).
Passed the House of Representatives March 10, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.