Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

3/14/2025, 3:38 AM

Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

This bill requires the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide policy for safeguarding research and development from unauthorized access or disclosures of sensitive information in related acquisitions.

Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the compliance of DHS with a 2021 presidential memorandum and related guidance that required certain disclosures about government-funded research and development (e.g., conflicts of interest involving foreign governments).

Bill 119 hr 901, also known as the "Research and Development Safeguarding Act," aims to enhance the protection of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill specifically requires the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of DHS to establish a comprehensive policy and process to prevent unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information.

The primary goal of this legislation is to safeguard research and development projects from potential threats and ensure that valuable information remains secure. By implementing a Department-wide policy, DHS can better protect its research and development acquisitions and prevent any unauthorized access that could compromise national security.

In addition to safeguarding sensitive information, the bill also aims to enhance transparency and accountability within DHS. By establishing clear guidelines and procedures for protecting research and development projects, the department can ensure that all activities are conducted in a responsible and secure manner. Overall, the Research and Development Safeguarding Act seeks to strengthen the security measures surrounding research and development acquisitions within DHS, ultimately enhancing the department's ability to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.
Congress
119

Number
HR - 901

Introduced on
2025-01-31

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/31/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

This bill requires the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide policy for safeguarding research and development from unauthorized access or disclosures of sensitive information in related acquisitions.

Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the compliance of DHS with a 2021 presidential memorandum and related guidance that required certain disclosures about government-funded research and development (e.g., conflicts of interest involving foreign governments).

Bill 119 hr 901, also known as the "Research and Development Safeguarding Act," aims to enhance the protection of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill specifically requires the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of DHS to establish a comprehensive policy and process to prevent unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information.

The primary goal of this legislation is to safeguard research and development projects from potential threats and ensure that valuable information remains secure. By implementing a Department-wide policy, DHS can better protect its research and development acquisitions and prevent any unauthorized access that could compromise national security.

In addition to safeguarding sensitive information, the bill also aims to enhance transparency and accountability within DHS. By establishing clear guidelines and procedures for protecting research and development projects, the department can ensure that all activities are conducted in a responsible and secure manner. Overall, the Research and Development Safeguarding Act seeks to strengthen the security measures surrounding research and development acquisitions within DHS, ultimately enhancing the department's ability to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a Department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/10/2025

Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

This bill requires the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide policy for safeguarding research and develop...


Latest Action3/11/2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.