New Hill Bill Pushes Clearance Accountability

U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo of California has introduced the Security Clearance Oversight and Accountability Act, H.R. 638, January 22, 2009.

Rep. Eshoo says her bill aims to “improve and reform” the security clearance process through “accountability and best practices.” It establishes merits which are to be reported yearly including on such things are how many clearances have been issued and how long they took to issue.

Unlike the focus of most reform efforts surrounding clearances, the bill attempts to address quality, not just speed, of clearance investigations. For example, it requires metrics be established to “improve the professional development of security clearance adjudicators,” which could help ensure greater and much-needed fairness, accountability, and transparency in the security clearance process.

Filed Under: Reform, Laws & Regulations, Adjudication