Digital Security Commission Act of 2016
Latest action (29 Feb 2016): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 2604, the Digital Security Commission Act of 2016, would create a 16-member National Commission on Security and Technology Challenges within the legislative branch. The commission would study the intersection of digital encryption and communications security with national security, law enforcement, privacy, civil liberties, and economic competitiveness. It would be required to produce interim and final reports to congressional leadership and relevant committees, including assessments of the value and costs of strong encryption, its effects on criminal and counterterrorism investigations, international practices, and possible policy or legislative recommendations, such as changes to wiretap and warrant procedures.
The commission would draw members from fields including cryptography, law enforcement, intelligence, technology companies, and privacy advocacy, appointed by congressional leaders of both parties, with one nonvoting member appointed by the President. It would have subpoena power (with a 12-of-16-vote threshold), access to information from federal agencies, and authority to hold public and private hearings. The bill would not authorize any new funding, meaning the commission would have to operate using existing resources. Its findings would be intended to inform future congressional debate on encryption, privacy, and security policy, but the bill itself would not change any existing laws.
The measure affects federal policymaking generally rather than any specific industry or individual directly; its practical effect would depend on what recommendations, if any, the commission eventually made. S. 2604 was introduced on February 29, 2016, in the 114th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of that Congress, so it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Digital Security Commission Act of 2016
This bill establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Security and Technology Challenges to assess, and make recommendations for policy and practice concerning, the issue of multiple security interests in the digital world, including public safety, privacy, national security, and communications and data protection, both now and throughout the next 10 years.
Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate majority leader (eight members), the minority leaders in the House and the Senate (eight members), and the President (one member) from among U.S. citizens with significant knowledge and primary experience in:
• cryptography,
• global commerce and economics,
• federal law enforcement,
• state and local law enforcement,
• consumer-facing technology sector,
Common questions
- What does S. 2604 do?
- S. 2604, the Digital Security Commission Act of 2016, would create a 16-member National Commission on Security and Technology Challenges within the legislative branch. The commission would study the intersection of digital encryption and communications security with national security, law enforcement, privacy, civil liberties, and economic competitiveness. It would be required to produce interim and final reports to congressional leadership and relevant committees, including assessments of the value and costs of strong encryption, its effects on criminal and counterterrorism investigations, international practices, and possible policy or legislative recommendations, such as changes to wiretap and warrant procedures. The commission would draw members from fields including cryptography, law enforcement, intelligence, technology companies, and privacy advocacy, appointed by congressional leaders of both parties, with one nonvoting member appointed by the President. It would have subpoena power (with a 12-of-16-vote threshold), access to information from federal agencies, and authority to hold public and private hearings. The bill would not authorize any new funding, meaning the commission would have to operate using existing resources. Its findings would be intended to inform future congressional debate on encryption, privacy, and security policy, but the bill itself would not change any existing laws. The measure affects federal policymaking generally rather than any specific industry or individual directly; its practical effect would depend on what recommendations, if any, the commission eventually made. S. 2604 was introduced on February 29, 2016, in the 114th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of that Congress, so it did not become law.
- Has S. 2604 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Feb 2016, S. 2604 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2604?
- S. 2604 was sponsored by Sen. Mark Warner [D-VA] (Democrat-VA), with 16 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2604?
- Introduced (29 Feb 2016).
Related bills in Congress
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4393) to secure the border and reform the immigration laws.
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives with respect to the certification requirement in the case of a congressional earmark or limited tax or tariff benefit.
Recommending that the House of Representatives find Leon D. Black in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoenas duly issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.