POWER Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2005): Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight.
What this bill does
H.R. 3041, the Privacy Officer With Enhanced Rights Act of 2005, or POWER Act, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It would grant the privacy officer of the Department of Homeland Security expanded investigative powers. These powers include access to all relevant departmental records, the ability to conduct investigations and issue reports, and the authority to subpoena information and evidence from individuals and entities outside of the federal government.
The privacy officer would also be able to administer oaths and take affidavits, and perform other actions similar to those of the Inspector General to compel Department employees to produce documents and answer questions related to their duties. This bill directly affects the privacy officer and employees of the Department of Homeland Security by clarifying and potentially increasing the scope of the privacy officer's oversight functions.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in June 2005 and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process to be voted on by the full House or Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Privacy Officer With Enhanced Rights Act of 2005 or POWER Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 with respect to the authorities of the privacy officer of the Department of Homeland Security. Specifies the privacy officer's investigative authority to: (1) have access to all records and other materials available to the Department relating to programs and operations for which the privacy officer has responsibilities; (2) make necessary or desirable investigations and reports on the administration of Department programs and operations; (3) require by subpoena the production, by persons other than Federal agencies, of all information and other data and documentary evidence necessary to performance of the privacy officer's functions; (4) administer oaths, affirmations, or take affidavits; and (5) take any other action that may be taken by the Inspector General of the Department, as necessary to require Department employees to produce documents and answer questions relevant to performance of the privacy officer' s functions.
Timeline
27 Jul 2005
Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3041 do?
- H.R. 3041, the Privacy Officer With Enhanced Rights Act of 2005, or POWER Act, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It would grant the privacy officer of the Department of Homeland Security expanded investigative powers. These powers include access to all relevant departmental records, the ability to conduct investigations and issue reports, and the authority to subpoena information and evidence from individuals and entities outside of the federal government. The privacy officer would also be able to administer oaths and take affidavits, and perform other actions similar to those of the Inspector General to compel Department employees to produce documents and answer questions related to their duties. This bill directly affects the privacy officer and employees of the Department of Homeland Security by clarifying and potentially increasing the scope of the privacy officer's oversight functions. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in June 2005 and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process to be voted on by the full House or Senate.
- Has H.R. 3041 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 3041. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3041?
- H.R. 3041 was sponsored by Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] (D-MS), with 11 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3041?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight. (27 Jul 2005).
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