summary
Introduced
01/31/2019
01/31/2019
In Committee
01/31/2019
01/31/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to improve the processing and oversight by the Federal Government of security clearances and background investigations and for other purposes. This bill directs various agencies to report on, and devise plans to improve, systems for handling security clearances and background checks. The Security, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council shall provide Congress with a plan to reduce the background investigation backlog and to consolidate security clearance processes to improve efficiency. The Director of National Intelligence, or another individual selected by the President, shall serve as the Security Executive Agent for all U.S. departments and agencies. The agent shall establish a policy and implementation plan for improving security clearance procedures. The agent shall report to Congress on (1) ways to improve or simplify investigation procedures; (2) the feasibility of the clearance in person concept, which permits an individual to maintain access to classified information for up to three years after leaving a cleared position; and (3) protections for the confidentiality of whistleblower-related communications in continuous vetting programs. Federal departments and agencies shall report annually to the agent certain information related to reciprocal recognition of security clearances when an individual moves between positions within the department or agency, and the agent shall summarize and report such information to Congress. The bill imposes various targets for reducing the pendency of secret and top secret level clearance determinations. It also requires reports to Congress on various topics, such as the feasibility of having no more than three tiers of trust and security clearance positions.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve the federal government's processing and oversight of security clearances and background investigations. The key provisions include:
- Directing various agencies to report on and devise plans to improve systems for handling security clearances and background checks, including reducing the backlog and consolidating processes.
- Establishing the Director of National Intelligence or another presidential designee as the Security Executive Agent to oversee investigations, adjudications, and policies related to security clearances and sensitive positions.
- Setting goals for the timeliness of security clearance determinations, such as 30 days for secret-level clearances and 90 days for top-secret clearances.
- Requiring reports on topics like the feasibility of a "clearance in person" concept, protections for whistleblower confidentiality in continuous vetting programs, and the potential for consolidating security clearance tiers.
- Directing the establishment of a program to share relevant background information on individuals seeking sensitive positions or security clearances between government agencies and industry partners.
Overall, the bill aims to modernize and improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the federal government's personnel security framework.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence. (on 01/31/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/314/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s314/BILLS-116s314is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s314/BILLS-116s314is.pdf.pdf |
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