Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act

Hozzl · 2025-11-20T05:53:20Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2261 Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

11/20/2025, 5:53 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2261

Bill 119 HR 2261, also known as the Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act, aims to enhance the oversight of intelligence activities within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 9, 2021, by Representative Elissa Slotkin from Michigan.

The main purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the intelligence activities conducted by DHS are in compliance with the law and respect the civil liberties of individuals. The bill seeks to strengthen the role of the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) by requiring regular reporting to Congress on its activities and ensuring that any intelligence products produced by DHS are thoroughly reviewed for accuracy and legality.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of an independent oversight board to provide additional scrutiny of DHS intelligence activities. This board would be composed of experts in intelligence and civil liberties and would have the authority to review and assess the effectiveness of DHS intelligence programs. Overall, the Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act aims to improve transparency and accountability within DHS intelligence operations, ensuring that they are conducted in a lawful and ethical manner. The bill is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives and has garnered bipartisan support for its efforts to enhance oversight of DHS intelligence activities.

Congressional Summary of HR 2261

Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act

This bill increases privacy protections associated with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intelligence information.

Specifically, the bill requires designated DHS officials to ensure that certain intelligence information is shared, stored, and disseminated in a manner consistent with the protection of civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights.

The bill also provides statutory authority for requirements for DHS to train intelligence personnel on civil rights, civil liberties, privacy rights, and privacy-related regulations and information practices. Such training must focus on those who disseminate information analyzed by DHS or who review such information for dissemination.

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Current Status of Bill HR 2261

Bill HR 2261 is currently in the status of Passed in House since November 17, 2025. Bill HR 2261 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 21, 2025. Bill HR 2261's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of November 18, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2261

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2261

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

- Employment and training programs

- Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

- Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

- Right of privacy

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2261

Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the Department of Homeland Securitys oversight of certain intelligence matters, and for other purposes.