WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 901 · 119th Congress

Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

Passed HouseScience, Technology, Communications
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Passed HouseMar 10, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Mar 11, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The House passed it 410–1. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 1 section of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 901 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Mar 11, 2025).

6 U.S.C. 182 Responsibilities and authorities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology

  • (13) coordinating with other appropriate executive agencies in developing and… changed · Sec. 2(a) · see the words
  • (14) developing and overseeing the administration of guidelines for merit review of… changed · Sec. 2(a) · see the words
  • (15) carrying out, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration,… added to · Sec. 2(a) · see the words
What the words would change: every change, in place (3)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 6 U.S.C. 182(13)changedby H.R. 901 Sec. 2(a)

    (13) coordinating with other appropriate executive agencies in developing and carrying out the science and technology agenda of the Department to reduce duplication and identify unmet needs;

    The bill says: in paragraph (13), by striking "and" after the semicolon;

    Bill text · Current law (6 U.S.C. 182)

  2. 6 U.S.C. 182(14)changedby H.R. 901 Sec. 2(a)

    The bill says: in paragraph (14), by striking the period and inserting "; and"; and

    Bill text · Current law (6 U.S.C. 182)

  3. 6 U.S.C. 182added (15)by H.R. 901 Sec. 2(a)

    (15) developing, in coordination with appropriate agency officials, a Department-wide policy and process to safeguard research and development from unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information in research and development acquisitions.

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    Bill text · Current law (6 U.S.C. 182)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

This 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).

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 31, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Mar 10, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 1 (Roll no. 64). (text: CR H1051) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  2. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 13 recorded actions

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Mar 10, 2025 · HousePassed 410–1
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
    R 208 yes, 0 noD 202 yes, 1 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Gabe Evans R-CO-8
  • Rep. Mark E. Green R-TN-7