Dhs Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8664, the DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act.

Our public servants must carefully protect the personal information and data of Americans.

Unfortunately, time and again, we have seen examples of agencies and bureaucrats who have failed to secure and protect our most sensitive information.

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office found that the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, I&A, has not fully implemented oversight guidelines pertaining to bulk data collection activities and has not conducted an audit as outlined in the intelligence oversight guidelines.

To ensure transparency and to protect Americans' civil liberties, privacy, and civil rights, my bill, the DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act, will require DHS' I&A to conduct an annual audit to assess whether access to and searches of Americans' data are appropriately limited and in line with the I&A's intelligence guidelines.

To further conduct oversight, this bill will require the Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis to submit a report to Congress that outlines the findings of every annual audit to ensure transparency for the American people.

Americans deserve to know what data and information is being accessed by government agencies. This bill will make sure that entities responsible for conducting audits of information systems and bulk data are carrying out their duties in accordance with I&A's oversight guidelines.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8664.

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