Tampa Republic

Representatives Laurel Lee and Gabe Evans have introduced a new bill aimed at increasing transparency and oversight within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act mandates audits on bulk data transfers to ensure that personnel access is limited, protecting civil liberties, privacy, and civil rights.

Rep. Laurel Lee emphasized the importance of these audits: "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," she said. "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."

Rep. Gabe Evans highlighted the need for efficiency in government operations: "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."

A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report noted that I&A had failed to perform necessary audits on its information systems and bulk data. These audits are critical for ensuring searches by personnel remain limited in scope to safeguard Americans' privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Bulk data is defined by GAO as large quantities acquired without specific identifiers or search terms, much of which lacks intelligence value.

The GAO recommended that I&A complete these audits per its Intelligence Oversight Guidelines. The new legislation seeks to codify this recommendation by requiring an annual audit conducted by the Under Secretary for I&A with findings reported to Congress.

In a previous session, this act passed the House by voice vote.