Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 901
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 901U.S. and foreign investmentsCongressional oversight
Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION MAR 11
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill would most directly affect employees within the Department of Homeland Security, particularly those in the Science and Technology Directorate and those involved in research and development projects or acquisitions. Scientists, engineers, and project managers working on DHS-funded research would need to comply with the new security policies and procedures.
External research institutions, universities, and private companies that contract with DHS for research and development would also be affected. They would need to understand and follow the new department-wide security requirements when working on projects that involve sensitive information, potentially changing how they manage data and access to research materials.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate to create a department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information.
This establishes a clear, unified approach to protect all sensitive DHS research, preventing data theft or misuse.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report within one year assessing DHS's compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and related guidance on federal research security.
This ensures independent oversight and accountability for DHS's efforts to secure its research.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide a congressional briefing within 90 days on the development of these new safeguarding policies and processes.
This provides Congress with timely updates and ensures transparency in the implementation of the new security measures.
This bill would most directly affect employees within the Department of Homeland Security, particularly those in the Science and Technology Directorate and those involved in research and development projects or acquisitions. Scientists, engineers, and project managers working on DHS-funded research would need to comply with the new security policies and procedures.
External research institutions, universities, and private companies that contract with DHS for research and development would also be affected. They would need to understand and follow the new department-wide security requirements when working on projects that involve sensitive information, potentially changing how they manage data and access to research materials.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Requires the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate to create a department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information.
This establishes a clear, unified approach to protect all sensitive DHS research, preventing data theft or misuse.
high
Mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report within one year assessing DHS's compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and related guidance on federal research security.
This ensures independent oversight and accountability for DHS's efforts to secure its research.
med
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide a congressional briefing within 90 days on the development of these new safeguarding policies and processes.
This provides Congress with timely updates and ensures transparency in the implementation of the new security measures.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment
GAO report on DHS compliance with NSPM-33 and research security guidelines.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
Congressional briefing by the Secretary of Homeland Security on the development of new research safeguarding policies.
GLOSSARY
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Research and Development Acquisitions
Refers to the process by which the government obtains, funds, or contracts for scientific investigation, experimentation, and technological innovation.
Sensitive Information
Data or knowledge that, if accessed or disclosed without authorization, could cause harm to national security, privacy, or economic interests.
Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate
A senior official within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for leading scientific research and technology development efforts for the department.
GAO (Government Accountability Office)
An independent agency that serves as a watchdog for Congress, auditing government programs and spending to ensure efficiency and accountability.
National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33)
A directive issued by the President establishing policies to strengthen research security in federally funded research and development.
Congressional Briefing
An informal meeting or presentation given by executive branch officials to members of Congress or their staff to provide updates or information on specific topics.
ACTION TIMELINE
12 EVENTS
MAR 11, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 10, 25
Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
FLOOR
MAR 10, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1051-1052)
FLOOR
MAR 10, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 901.