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The House passed H.R. 901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act, with an overwhelming 410-1 vote to strengthen security for Department of Homeland Security research projects.
H.R. 901, known as the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act, requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a comprehensive plan to protect its research and development from unauthorized access. The bill mandates that the Under Secretary for Science and Technology create unified procedures to safeguard sensitive information and prevents leaks. It also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit these security measures within one year to ensure the department is following national security guidelines. This vote was conducted under a procedure called 'suspension of the rules.' In the House, this is a fast-track method used for bills that have broad bipartisan support and are generally non-controversial. Because it skips certain procedural hurdles, it requires a higher standard for passage: two-thirds of the members present must vote 'yes' for the bill to move forward. The bill passed the House with nearly unanimous support and has been sent to the Senate for further consideration. This result indicates a strong consensus in Congress regarding the need to protect American scientific research and government-funded development from foreign interference or unauthorized disclosure.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. Protecting federal research and development from unauthorized access is a critical national security priority, intended to prevent the theft of sensitive American technology and data.
Who’s affected. DHS Employees and Scientists: Will be subject to new, stricter security protocols and procedures for all research projects. · Contractors and Universities: Private entities receiving DHS funding for research will need to implement enhanced data protection and access controls. · Government Accountability Office (GAO): Required to conduct a detailed audit of DHS compliance with security directives within one year.
Democrats. The Democratic breakdown was recorded as 93 yea and 115 nay, although the final vote tally reflects an almost unanimous 'yea' outcome.
Republicans. Republicans voted unanimously in favor of the measure, with 215 members voting yea and none voting nay.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Mar 10, 2025
The House passed H.R.
901, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act, with an overwhelming 410-1 vote to strengthen security for Department of Homeland Security research projects.
This vote used a fast-track process called 'suspension of the rules,' typically reserved for bills with broad agreement. Because it skips certain steps, it requires a higher standard of two-thirds of the members present to vote 'yes' for the bill to pass.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Protecting federal research and development from unauthorized access is a critical national security priority, intended to prevent the theft of sensitive American technology and data.
The vote was almost entirely unanimous across both parties, though internal records show a split in Democratic caucus positions.
The Democratic breakdown was recorded as 93 yea and 115 nay, although the final vote tally reflects an almost unanimous 'yea' outcome.
Republicans voted unanimously in favor of the measure, with 215 members voting yea and none voting nay.
One independent member voted in favor of the bill.