POWER Act of 2007
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Jan 2007): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
What this bill does
The POWER Act of 2007, if enacted, would expand the investigative powers of the privacy officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill would allow this officer to access all DHS records related to their responsibilities, conduct investigations, and issue subpoenas for information from individuals and entities outside of federal agencies. Additionally, the privacy officer would be authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits.
The privacy officer would continue to report to and be supervised by the Secretary of DHS. However, the Secretary would be required to notify Congress, with reasons, if the privacy officer is removed or transferred within the department. The bill also mandates that the privacy officer submit reports directly to Congress, without prior review by DHS leadership or the Office of Management and Budget.
This bill was introduced in the Senate in January 2007 and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not moved beyond its initial introduction.
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 2007 or the POWER Act of 2007 - 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
18 Jan 2007
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Common questions
- What does S. 332 do?
- The POWER Act of 2007, if enacted, would expand the investigative powers of the privacy officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill would allow this officer to access all DHS records related to their responsibilities, conduct investigations, and issue subpoenas for information from individuals and entities outside of federal agencies. Additionally, the privacy officer would be authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits. The privacy officer would continue to report to and be supervised by the Secretary of DHS. However, the Secretary would be required to notify Congress, with reasons, if the privacy officer is removed or transferred within the department. The bill also mandates that the privacy officer submit reports directly to Congress, without prior review by DHS leadership or the Office of Management and Budget. This bill was introduced in the Senate in January 2007 and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not moved beyond its initial introduction.
- Has S. 332 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 332. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 332?
- S. 332 was sponsored by Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] (D-HI), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 332?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (18 Jan 2007).
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More bills from Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI]
Privacy Act Modernization for the Information Age Act of 2011
Identification Security Enhancement Act of 2007
Identification Security Enhancement Act of 2006
Privacy Officer With Enhanced Rights Act of 2006
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