Tightening Security Clearances, Post-Snowden (H.R. 2860)

What is H.R. 2860?

(Updated November 14, 2014)

This bill was enacted on February 12, 2014

Improves oversight of the security clearance process, calls for the government to fire background check investigators and suspend others - including contractors - who falsify reports, and forces the government to update its policy determining which positions require a security clearance. The bipartisan bill is a product of a 2013 joint Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing that revealed that the contractor who conducted Edward Snowden's background check is under investigation. President Obama signed this Act into law on 2/12/14. 

Argument in favor

Tightens the security clearance process and provides greater accountability and oversight of federal employees.

Argument opposed

The government should be able to ensure the quality of its background checks without this legislation.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would likely make it harder for whistleblowers with red flags in their background checks to attain government positions.

Cost of H.R. 2860

Based on information from the Office of Personnel Management's Office of the Inspector General, the CBO estimates that implementing this legislation would enable the Inspector General to begin auditing the OPM Revolving Fund at a cost of $13 million over the 2014-2018 period.

Additional Info