S.848 - Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2025; REPORT Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The REPORT Act (S.848) mandates that relevant federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the FBI Director, submit joint reports to Congress following acts of terrorism within the United States. These reports must detail the facts of the incident, identify security gaps, and recommend measures to improve homeland security. The bill also includes provisions for classified annexes, exceptions for ongoing investigations, and a sunset clause after five years.
Expected Effects
This act aims to enhance congressional oversight of counterterrorism efforts by ensuring timely and comprehensive reporting on terrorist incidents. It seeks to improve national security by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending preventative measures. The increased transparency could lead to more informed policy decisions and resource allocation in the fight against terrorism.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Congressional Oversight: Provides Congress with detailed information on terrorist incidents, enabling better-informed decision-making.
- Improved Homeland Security: Identifies gaps in security and recommends measures to prevent future attacks.
- Increased Transparency: Makes unclassified reports publicly available, promoting public awareness.
- Inter-agency Cooperation: Requires joint reports, fostering collaboration among federal agencies.
- Potential for Better Resource Allocation: Informs resource allocation based on identified vulnerabilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Delayed Information: Allows withholding of information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations, potentially delaying the release of critical details.
- Administrative Burden: Creates additional reporting requirements for federal agencies, potentially diverting resources from other critical tasks.
- Sunset Clause: The act terminates after five years, requiring reauthorization to remain effective.
- Risk of Information Overload: Congress may receive a large volume of reports, making it difficult to synthesize information effectively.
- Limited Scope: Focuses primarily on reporting, with no direct impact on preventing terrorism.
Constitutional Alignment
The REPORT Act appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The act's focus on reporting and oversight supports Congress's role in national security. The reporting requirements do not appear to infringe on individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).