Homeland Security Subcommittee Approves Resident Commissioner’s Bill Protecting Freedom of Speech and Civil Liberties in DHS Intel Operations in Bipartisan Way

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Homeland Security Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee approved Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández’s Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act (H.R. 2261). This legislation is designed to improve homeland security information and intelligence at DHS. The bill protects the privacy, civil liberties, and constitutional rights of U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.

“I’m proud that my bill passed the Homeland Security Subcommittee to ensure DHS does not infringe upon the rights of Puerto Ricans,” said Hernández, member of the House Homeland Security Committee. “My legislation establishes necessary safeguards to ensure DHS intelligence activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with our fundamental liberties. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill in full committee.” 

DHS is the sole intelligence agency that is required to share intelligence with state and local law enforcement partners and the private sector. As the federal agency that interacts with more U.S. citizens than any other, intelligence assessments must be reviewed to ensure the protection of U.S. citizens’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties before it is shared with such partners.

The Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act directly addresses these concerns by:

• Mandating that all DHS intelligence products undergo review by the DHS Chief Privacy Officer and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to ensure compliance with constitutional protections.
• Codifying required training for senior DHS intelligence personnel on privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties safeguards.

The introduction of this bill marks a step toward strengthening oversight and safeguarding the civil rights of all U.S. citizens.

Click HERE to watch the Resident Commissioner’s remarks and HERE to view legislative text.


 

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