To require the Secretary of State to report a Government Accountability Office High Risk List for weaknesses in the department's information technology acquisitions and operations, human capital management, Federal real property, and personal security clearance of the United States.
Impact
The bill is expected to bring about notable improvements in how the Department of State manages its resources and operations. By enforcing recommendations from the GAO’s High Risk List, the Secretary will need to implement best practices for managing technology acquisitions, which could lead to increased accountability and transparency. Enhancing cybersecurity measures and streamlining the security clearance process are also pivotal aspects of the bill, aiming to secure sensitive information against potential threats and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Summary
House Bill 6238 mandates the Secretary of State to report on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) High Risk List, specifically targeting weaknesses in several areas within the department. These areas include the management of information technology acquisitions and operations, human capital management, federal real property management, cybersecurity, and the personnel security clearance process. This bill signifies a government effort to enhance operational integrity and efficiency within the Department of State, requiring a structured approach to addressing vulnerabilities identified by the GAO.
Contention
One potential point of contention surrounding HB 6238 could be the implications of increased oversight and mandated reporting within the Department of State. Critics may raise concerns about how these requirements could affect the agency's flexibility and operational autonomy. While proponents argue that improved management practices will enhance security and efficiency, opponents may feel that legislation of this nature could create additional layers of bureaucracy that may hinder rapid response capabilities during critical situations.
A bill to require senior Department of State officials to maintain security clearances and to require the Secretary of State to notify Congress when the security clearances of such officials are suspended or revoked.
To require the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology submit to Congress a report on light tactical wheeled vehicles of the Army, and for other purposes.
To require that the Chief Information Officer of the Bureau of Information Resources submit an annual report that lists all the information technology procurement awards and contracts that were awarded over $10,000,000.
Research Security and Accountability in DHS ActThis bill requires the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide policy for safeguarding research and development from unauthorized access or disclosures of sensitive information in related acquisitions.Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the compliance of DHS with a 2021 presidential memorandum and related guidance that required certain disclosures about government-funded research and development (e.g., conflicts of interest involving foreign governments).
Expressing the sense of Congress that coordinated action must be taken by the United States Government and partner countries to address the humanitarian and human rights crises facing North Koreans in the People's Republic of China, including forced labor, arbitrary detention, human trafficking, and the forcible repatriation from China.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to "Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure".