Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL) has introduced legislation to place the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under greater scrutiny and demand greater transparency.
More specifically, Rep. Lee's DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act requires DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to audit bulk data shared by the Office to ensure that personnel are not violating Americans' privacy, civil rights and civil liberties.
"Bulk data" refers to large quantities of data acquired without discriminants, as in actively searched for with specific identifiers or terms that have no intelligence value. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that DHS had not properly audited its bulk data.
As a result, Rep. Lee's bill would codify the auditing of bulk data more thoroughly into law by directing the Under Secretary for I&A to conduct an annual audit of information systems and bulk data, which is then reported to Congress.
In her press release, the Florida Congresswoman said, "A recent report found that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has not conducted required audits of its information system and bulk data, which are crucial for ensuring sensitive data is handled properly. The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act will require DHS to conduct audits to ensure sensitive data is handled properly to protect America's rights and privacy."
Representative Gabe Evans (R-CO), the bill's cosponsor, added, "As a veteran and former law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of optimizing systems to better protect our communities. A significant portion of the Department of Homeland Security's data does not have intelligence or operational value, which bogs down the efficiency of operations and distracts from the larger mission of protecting our nation. This bipartisan effort will improve government efficiency and direct resources to better protect Americans."
The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act previously passed the House in December.
