Bill · H.R. 901· House(119-HR-901)
Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act
- Introduced
- 1/31/2025
- Last activity
- 3/11/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Dale Strong
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This Act, known as the "Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act," directs the Department of Homeland Security to protect its research and development. It requires the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate to create a Department-wide policy to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information during acquisitions. The bill also mandates a report from the GAO regarding compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 and guidance from the National Science and Technology Council. Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a briefing to Congress regarding the development of these new security policies.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+5
The bill enhances security protocols for sensitive research and development within DHS.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates GAO reports and Congressional briefings to increase oversight and transparency.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+3
The bill focuses on safeguarding sensitive research and development data from unauthorized access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to passPassed 410–1
The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not.
03/10/2025 · Roll call 64 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of sensitive information: The bill requires the development of a Department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information (Section 2(a)). This could protect the integrity of research and development acquisitions.
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Increased oversight and accountability: The Comptroller General is required to submit a report to Congressional committees regarding how the Department has complied with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 and adopted implementation guidance (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Transparency through Congressional briefings: The Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a briefing to specific Congressional committees regarding the development of new safeguarding policies (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
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+4Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+3
- 3/11/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 3/10/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 1 (Roll no. 64). (text: CR H1051)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 1 (Roll no. 64). (text: CR H1051)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1058-1059)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 901.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1051-1052)
- Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Mark GreenRepublican · Tennessee