Terrorist Watchlist Modification Review Act
Summary
The Terrorist Watchlist Modification Review Act mandates the Director of the FBI to notify appropriate congressional committees of any material changes to policies and procedures governing terrorist watchlists and transnational organized crime watchlists. This includes changes to policies for adding or removing individuals from these lists. The Act also requires an annual report on known or presumed United States persons included on the terrorist watchlist.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of terrorist watchlists. It ensures that Congress is informed of changes to watchlist policies and the inclusion of U.S. persons. This could lead to more accountability and potentially reduce errors or biases in the watchlist process.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in watchlist policies.
- Enhanced congressional oversight of watchlist procedures.
- Greater accountability for the FBI regarding watchlist management.
- Potential reduction in errors related to U.S. persons on the watchlist.
- Improved protection of individual rights through increased scrutiny.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the FBI.
- Risk of delayed implementation due to notification requirements.
- Possible politicization of the watchlist process through increased congressional involvement.
- Limited impact if congressional committees lack the resources or expertise to effectively oversee the watchlists.
- Could lead to increased scrutiny of law enforcement and intelligence activities, potentially hindering their effectiveness.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with constitutional principles by promoting transparency and accountability in government actions that affect individual liberties. It supports the concept of due process by ensuring oversight of watchlists that could impact citizens' rights. The reporting requirements also align with the principle of checks and balances, as Congress is given the ability to oversee the executive branch's actions. However, the constitutionality of the watchlists themselves, and the criteria for inclusion, are not addressed directly by this act.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).