DHS Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and...
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and Intelligence Ombuds within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
This bill, HB7435, proposes to create an Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and an Intelligence Ombuds within the Department of Homeland Security. The goal is to enhance oversight and transparency within the department's intelligence operations. The Intelligence Ombuds would act as an independent overseer to ensure that the department's intelligence activities are conducted properly and ethically. This change would affect employees and oversight bodies within the Department of Homeland Security by adding new roles and responsibilities focused on monitoring and reporting.
The bill was introduced on February 9, 2026, and was referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security the same day. On February 10, 2026, it was further referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. The current status is that it is under review by these committees and subcommittees. Moving forward, it will likely go through additional committee hearings and potentially be voted on by the full House before any further action.
The key actions so far include its introduction in the House and referral to the relevant committees. Moving forward, the bill will need to pass through several stages, including committee reviews, potential amendments, and a vote by the full House, before it could be considered by the Senate. The progress of this bill will depend on the outcomes of these upcoming steps.
