Report on Security Legislation
Report on Security Legislation: H.R. 553, et al.
(February 6, 2009)
by Michael A. Williams, Esq.
A. H.R. 553:
The House passed the Bill, H.R. 553 (the “Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2009″), on February 3, 2009, under the suspension of the rules procedure, indicating it was not considered controversial. It passed on a voice vote. The Bill was designed to prevent the over-classification of security information by the Department of Homeland Security.
The Senate sent the Bill to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 4, 2009.
B. Two other Bills related to Homeland Security also passed the House on February 3:
H.R. 559, to amend the Homeland Security Act to establish an appeal and redress process for individuals wrongly delayed or prohibited from boarding a flight, etc. (413 to 3, Roll Call Vote No. 49); and
H.R. 549, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention, to address terrorist explosive threats. Voice vote.
Guest Author: Michael A. Williams, a lawyer, practicing in Virginia and Washington, DC, contributes to this blog. He has offices at the Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, McLean, Virginia. Telephone: (703) 821-8700, ext. 17. E-mail: stelawfirm@aol.com.
Tags: Congress, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Act, HR 553, security classification, Security clearance legisalation