Bills · HR 7435
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7435Armed Forces and National Security
DHS Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and Ombuds Act
INTRO FEB 9· LAST ACTION FEB 10
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to increase accountability and transparency within a powerful government agency that collects and uses intelligence information. In a democratic society, ensuring that intelligence activities are objective, independent from political pressures, and respect civil liberties is crucial for maintaining public trust and protecting individual rights. If this bill becomes law, it would establish a formal mechanism for internal oversight and a confidential channel for addressing grievances, potentially preventing abuses or biases in intelligence operations.
Without this bill, the current oversight mechanisms for DHS intelligence activities might be perceived as less robust or accessible. The establishment of an independent Ombuds and a dedicated office for transparency could lead to earlier detection and resolution of issues related to politicization or civil liberties violations in intelligence gathering, which are concerns that directly impact citizens' privacy and safety. The bill seeks to ensure that critical decisions about homeland security are based on unbiased information.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes an Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office within DHS to review intelligence activities for objectivity and independence from political considerations.
This creates a dedicated internal body to scrutinize DHS intelligence, aiming to prevent bias and political interference in critical national security work.
PROVISION 02
Creates an Intelligence Ombuds to head the new office, serving as a principal advisor on safeguarding objectivity and ensuring intelligence activities respect privacy and civil liberties.
The Ombuds provides a non-retaliatory point of contact for concerns, acting as an internal advocate for ethical and unbiased intelligence practices.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Ombuds to provide confidential forums for individuals to raise concerns about politicization, biased reporting, or civil rights abuses related to intelligence activities.
This offers a safe channel for whistleblowers or concerned employees to report issues without fear, which is vital for internal accountability.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that intelligence components of DHS formally respond to Ombuds' recommendations within 60 days and provides the Ombuds with access to necessary departmental information.
This ensures the Ombuds' recommendations are taken seriously and that the office has the tools needed to perform its oversight function effectively.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Ombuds to submit annual reports on its activities, findings, and recommendations to relevant committees in both the House and Senate.
This ensures regular external oversight by Congress, keeping legislative bodies informed of DHS intelligence practices and any issues identified.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Rhode Island
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSFEB 10
Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
FEB 9
Introduced in House
FEB 9
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
FEB 9
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7435
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 9, 2026
Last actionFeb 10, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 9, 2026
House BillHR 7435Armed Forces and National Security
DHS Intelligence Transparency and Oversight Program Office and Ombuds Act
INTRODUCED FEB 9, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 10, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
