Judiciary Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The "Security Clearance Review Act" amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to significantly alter the process for granting security clearances within the Executive Office of the President. This legislation authorizes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make all security clearance and classified information access determinations for political appointees and special Government employees working in the EOP. It explicitly states that these individuals cannot be employed, detailed, or assigned to the EOP unless their presence is clearly consistent with national security, and they cannot access classified information without the FBI Director's direct approval. Should the FBI Director deny, suspend, or revoke a security clearance or access determination, both the President and relevant congressional committees must be immediately notified. Crucially, if the President chooses to nullify, reverse, modify, or otherwise disregard an FBI determination, a detailed written explanation must be submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress within 30 days. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the security clearance process for high-level EOP personnel.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Armed Forces and National Security
Security Clearance Review Act
USA119th CongressHR-1591| House
| Updated: 2/26/2025
The "Security Clearance Review Act" amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to significantly alter the process for granting security clearances within the Executive Office of the President. This legislation authorizes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make all security clearance and classified information access determinations for political appointees and special Government employees working in the EOP. It explicitly states that these individuals cannot be employed, detailed, or assigned to the EOP unless their presence is clearly consistent with national security, and they cannot access classified information without the FBI Director's direct approval. Should the FBI Director deny, suspend, or revoke a security clearance or access determination, both the President and relevant congressional committees must be immediately notified. Crucially, if the President chooses to nullify, reverse, modify, or otherwise disregard an FBI determination, a detailed written explanation must be submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress within 30 days. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the security clearance process for high-level EOP personnel.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.