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Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act

USA119th CongressHR-4971| House 
| Updated: 8/15/2025
Bennie G. Thompson

Bennie G. Thompson

Democratic Representative

Mississippi

Homeland Security Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act" aims to significantly improve the accuracy of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) terrorism screening information. It mandates that prior to submitting an initial nomination for an individual to the federal terrorist watchlist or other terrorism databases, DHS must conduct a quality assurance review . This review ensures that all information contained in the nomination is entirely free from error before it is sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Center and the National Counterterrorism Center. Beyond initial nominations, the bill establishes a robust auditing framework. Annually, DHS is required to review all nominations of United States persons to these databases, verifying data accuracy and adherence to the Watchlisting Advisory Council's criteria. Furthermore, a monthly random audit program will be implemented to periodically review all departmental nominations, ensuring ongoing data integrity and compliance for all individuals. Should any review or audit identify errors or non-compliance, DHS must notify the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center and the National Counterterrorism Center within 24 hours, requesting appropriate corrections or retractions. If a requested correction or retraction is not effectuated within 30 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security must promptly consult with the respective Director. The bill also mandates an annual report to Congress detailing the number of identities referred for corrections or retractions, disaggregated by U.S. and non-U.S. persons, and the outcomes of these referrals.
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Timeline
Aug 15, 2025
Introduced in House
Aug 15, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
  • August 15, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • August 15, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act

USA119th CongressHR-4971| House 
| Updated: 8/15/2025
The "Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act" aims to significantly improve the accuracy of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) terrorism screening information. It mandates that prior to submitting an initial nomination for an individual to the federal terrorist watchlist or other terrorism databases, DHS must conduct a quality assurance review . This review ensures that all information contained in the nomination is entirely free from error before it is sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Center and the National Counterterrorism Center. Beyond initial nominations, the bill establishes a robust auditing framework. Annually, DHS is required to review all nominations of United States persons to these databases, verifying data accuracy and adherence to the Watchlisting Advisory Council's criteria. Furthermore, a monthly random audit program will be implemented to periodically review all departmental nominations, ensuring ongoing data integrity and compliance for all individuals. Should any review or audit identify errors or non-compliance, DHS must notify the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center and the National Counterterrorism Center within 24 hours, requesting appropriate corrections or retractions. If a requested correction or retraction is not effectuated within 30 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security must promptly consult with the respective Director. The bill also mandates an annual report to Congress detailing the number of identities referred for corrections or retractions, disaggregated by U.S. and non-U.S. persons, and the outcomes of these referrals.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Aug 15, 2025
Introduced in House
Aug 15, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
  • August 15, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • August 15, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Bennie G. Thompson

Bennie G. Thompson

Democratic Representative

Mississippi

Homeland Security Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted