Bill · H.R. 7435· House(119-HR-7435)
DHS Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and Ombuds Act
- Introduced
- 2/9/2026
- Last activity
- 2/10/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- Sponsored by
- Seth Magaziner
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create an Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and an Intelligence Ombuds within the Department of Homeland Security. The new Office is tasked with reviewing intelligence activities for timeliness, objectivity, and independence from political considerations. The Office will be led by an Ombuds, a senior career employee with a background in intelligence and civil rights enforcement. This Ombuds will serve as a principal advisor to ensure intelligence activities protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Additionally, the Ombuds will provide confidential forums to resolve concerns regarding intelligence activities or potential abuses. The bill also requires annual reports to be submitted to specific House and Senate committees.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
The bill establishes an Office and Ombuds specifically to increase transparency and public understanding of intelligence activities.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+7
The Ombuds is tasked with ensuring intelligence activities are consistent with the protection of privacy rights.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+3
The bill includes protections against civil rights abuses within intelligence operations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Oversight of Intelligence Activities: The creation of an Office to review the timeliness, objectivity, and independence of intelligence activities could improve how the Department functions (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
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Increased Public Understanding: The Office is tasked with facilitating decisions to make information publicly available to enhance public understanding of intelligence activities (Section 2(a)(1)(B) and Section 2(b)(6)).
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Protection of Civil Rights and Liberties: The Ombuds is required to promote awareness that intelligence activities must be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).
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Resolution of Concerns: The Ombuds will provide confidential forums, without fear of retaliation, to help resolve individual or organizational concerns regarding issues like civil rights abuses or the politicization of analysis (Section 2(b)(4)).
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Increased Congressional Accountability: The Ombuds must submit annual reports on activities, findings, and recommendations to several House and Senate committees (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk to Homeland Security through Disclosure: The bill notes that the process of making information public must continue to protect information in cases where disclosure would harm homeland security (Section 2(b)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+8Improves Privacy Rights+7Increases Federal Power+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Policing Reform+2Improves Disability Rights+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+1
- 2/10/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 2/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi