Unifying DHS Intelligence Components Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (9 Nov 2020): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 578.
What this bill does
The Unifying DHS Intelligence Components Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create and share written guidance for all its intelligence branches. This guidance would cover how intelligence information, especially about terrorism, is collected, processed, analyzed, and shared. It would also establish policies for learning from past experiences and using those lessons to improve intelligence practices. The bill aims to create standardized terminology and fundamental principles for DHS intelligence activities.
This legislation directly affects the intelligence components within DHS by standardizing their operations. It also impacts the individuals working within these components by requiring specific training and adherence to departmental policies. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would be responsible for reporting on how well DHS implements these new directives and whether they protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Additionally, DHS would need to ensure its Chief Intelligence Officer has a qualified staff to support these efforts.
The bill, H.R. 2589, has passed the House of Representatives. It will now move to the Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate, it would then be sent to the President for signature into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Unifying DHS Intelligence Components Act
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and disseminate written DHS-wide intelligence doctrine for the intelligence components of DHS and develop specified DHS-wide policies, standards, and programs.
Specifically, DHS must develop department-wide (1) policies, standards, and programs for training regarding the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information, intelligence-related information, and terrorism information by personnel within the DHS intelligence components; and (2) policies for gathering and developing lessons learned, disseminating the lessons learned to personnel within the intelligence components, and using the lessons learned to inform the further development of the intelligence doctrine.
The intelligence doctrine, policies, standards, and programs must include, among other things (1) a description of the fundamental principles guiding the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information by, and oversight of the intelligence activities of, the intelligence components; and (2) a standardized terminology.
The Government Accountability Office must submit a report to the congressional intelligence and homeland security committees that
• assesses the degree to which the DHS intelligence doctrine, policies, standards, and programs are implemented across DHS;
• evaluates the extent to which such intelligence doctrine, policies, standards, and programs are carried out to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties; and
• incorporates an in-depth analysis, including an assessment of the effectiveness and possible areas for improvement, of specified DHS intelligence-related training programs. DHS must provide a staff with appropriate expertise and experience to the Office of the Chief Intelligence Officer to assist the office.
Timeline
9 Nov 2020
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 578.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2589 do?
- The Unifying DHS Intelligence Components Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create and share written guidance for all its intelligence branches. This guidance would cover how intelligence information, especially about terrorism, is collected, processed, analyzed, and shared. It would also establish policies for learning from past experiences and using those lessons to improve intelligence practices. The bill aims to create standardized terminology and fundamental principles for DHS intelligence activities. This legislation directly affects the intelligence components within DHS by standardizing their operations. It also impacts the individuals working within these components by requiring specific training and adherence to departmental policies. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would be responsible for reporting on how well DHS implements these new directives and whether they protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Additionally, DHS would need to ensure its Chief Intelligence Officer has a qualified staff to support these efforts. The bill, H.R. 2589, has passed the House of Representatives. It will now move to the Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate, it would then be sent to the President for signature into law.
- Has H.R. 2589 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2589. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2589?
- H.R. 2589 was sponsored by Rep. Green, Mark E. [R-TN-7] (R-TN), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2589?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 578. (9 Nov 2020).
Related bills in Emergency Management
Emergency Preparedness in Higher Education Act
Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding Improvement Act
Community Disaster Protection Act
Safe Spaces for All Act
More bills from Rep. Green, Mark E. [R-TN-7]
China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2025
Celebrating the centennial of the U.S. Border Patrol.
No CCP Consultants Act
Border Reinforcement Act of 2023
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.