POWER Act of 2006
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 May 2006): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4702)
What this bill does
The POWER Act of 2006, if enacted, would grant the privacy officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) new authorities. These would include access to all relevant DHS records and materials, the ability to conduct investigations and issue reports on DHS programs, and the power to subpoena information from non-federal entities. The privacy officer could also administer oaths and take affidavits.
This bill would primarily affect the Department of Homeland Security and its employees by clarifying the investigative powers of the privacy officer. The privacy officer, who would report to and be supervised by the Secretary of DHS, would be required to inform Congress about any removal or transfer of the officer.
As of May 17, 2006, this bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Its next step would be for the committee to consider it, potentially holding hearings or proposing amendments, before it could be voted on by the full 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 2006 or the POWER Act of 2006 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the privacy officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) have access to all records and other materials available to DHS relating to programs and operations for which the privacy officer has responsibilities; (2) make necessary or desirable investigations and reports on the administration of DHS programs and operations; (3) 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 responsibilities; and (4) administer oaths, affirmations, or take affidavits.
Requires: (1) the privacy officer to report to and be under the general supervision of the Secretary of DHS; and (2) the Secretary to report to Congress upon removing or transferring the officer to another position or location within DHS.
Timeline
17 May 2006
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4702)
Common questions
- What does S. 2827 do?
- The POWER Act of 2006, if enacted, would grant the privacy officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) new authorities. These would include access to all relevant DHS records and materials, the ability to conduct investigations and issue reports on DHS programs, and the power to subpoena information from non-federal entities. The privacy officer could also administer oaths and take affidavits. This bill would primarily affect the Department of Homeland Security and its employees by clarifying the investigative powers of the privacy officer. The privacy officer, who would report to and be supervised by the Secretary of DHS, would be required to inform Congress about any removal or transfer of the officer. As of May 17, 2006, this bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Its next step would be for the committee to consider it, potentially holding hearings or proposing amendments, before it could be voted on by the full Senate.
- Has S. 2827 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2827. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2827?
- S. 2827 was sponsored by Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] (D-HI), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2827?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4702) (17 May 2006).
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More bills from Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI]
Privacy Act Modernization for the Information Age Act of 2011
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POWER Act of 2007
Identification Security Enhancement Act of 2006
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