Summary
Makes the FBI tell Congress about any big changes to the terrorist and organized crime watchlists and to report on U.S. persons on the list.
What problem does this solve?
Congress may not know when the rules for secret government watchlists change, which could affect citizens' rights without oversight. This bill requires the FBI to inform Congress about these changes and provide yearly reports on how many U.S. persons are on the lists.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. persons on government watchlists
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Congressional oversight committees
What does this bill do?
Requires notification of watchlist changes
Makes the Director of the FBI tell certain congressional committees about any important changes to the rules for the terrorist watchlist or the transnational organized crime watchlist.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Annual report on united states persons on the terrorist watch list
Mandates annual reports on u.s. persons
Directs the FBI to give Congress a yearly report for two years with details about U.S. persons who are on the terrorist watchlist.
Specifies report details
States that the annual report must include the number of U.S. persons on the no-fly list, the selectee list for extra screening, and which government agencies nominated them to the list.
Allows congress to request watchlist rules
Requires the FBI to give a congressional committee all current rules for the watchlists within 30 days if the committee asks for them.
What is the real world impact?
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Increases congressional oversight
Forces the FBI to be more transparent with Congress about how it manages secret watchlists. This ensures that lawmakers can monitor these powerful tools and prevent potential abuse.
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Exposes the scope of government watchlists
Requires annual reports detailing how many U.S. persons are on the terrorist watchlist. This information helps lawmakers and the public understand the size and impact of these lists on American citizens.
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Acts as a check on executive power
Limits the ability of the executive branch to secretly change watchlist policies without the legislative branch being aware. This reinforces the system of checks and balances.
When does this start?
This bill sets specific deadlines for notifications and reports rather than a single effective date.
First annual report deadline
The first report on U.S. persons on the terrorist watchlist must be submitted to Congress by January 31, 2026.
Notification of policy changes
The FBI must notify Congress of any significant changes to watchlist policies no later than 30 days after the change takes effect.
Response to information requests
If a congressional committee requests information on watchlist rules, the FBI must provide it within 30 days.