4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Nov 17, 2025)

Technical corrections only. v4 updates the attestation with the Clerk's name and includes information about the bill's referral to the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes between v3 and v4.

H.R. 2212119th CongressIntroduced Mar 18, 2025

DHS Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program and Law Enforcement Support Act

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National SecuritySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]
Committees: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Nov 18, 2025

Bottom line

H.R. 2212 institutionalizes DHS's participation in a key Intelligence Community personnel exchange program, aiming to improve intelligence integration and expertise within the Department.

What it actually does

This bill mandates that all components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that are part of the 'DHS Intelligence Enterprise' must participate in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) Intelligence Community Civilian Joint Duty Program. This program facilitates rotational assignments for intelligence personnel across different agencies within the Intelligence Community, aiming to enhance interagency cooperation and professional development. The participation must be consistent with policies established by the Director of National Intelligence.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that formalizing DHS participation in the ODNI Joint Duty Program will strengthen the Department's intelligence capabilities, foster greater collaboration with other intelligence agencies, and enhance the professional development of its intelligence workforce. They believe this will lead to a more integrated and effective national intelligence effort, particularly concerning homeland security threats, by building shared expertise and interagency relationships.

Opponents contend

Critics might contend that mandating participation could impose administrative burdens or divert resources from DHS's primary mission areas, especially if the program's requirements are not fully aligned with DHS-specific operational needs. Some might also argue that such a mandate could reduce flexibility for DHS components to manage their personnel and training programs independently, potentially leading to inefficiencies or a dilution of specialized focus.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.

Section 2, amending Section 844 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 414)

Mandating DHS Participation in ODNI Intelligence Community Civilian Joint Duty Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section requires all parts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that deal with intelligence to join a program run by the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). This program allows civilian intelligence personnel to take temporary assignments in different intelligence agencies. The goal is to help intelligence officers gain broader experience, understand other agencies' operations, and improve overall cooperation across the U.S. Intelligence Community, all while adhering to ODNI's established policies for the program.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupDHS Intelligence Enterprise components (e.g., Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Coast Guard Intelligence, Secret Service Intelligence Division)ImpactRequired participation in a joint duty program.MechanismStatutory mandate to participate in the ODNI Intelligence Community Civilian Joint Duty Program.ScaleDepartment-wide for relevant intelligence components.

GroupCivilian intelligence personnel within DHSImpactIncreased opportunities for professional development and interagency experience.MechanismAccess to rotational assignments across the Intelligence Community.ScaleIndividual career development for participating personnel.

GroupOffice of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)ImpactIncreased oversight and coordination responsibilities for DHS's participation.MechanismODNI establishes policies for the Joint Duty Program.ScaleOperational and administrative impact on ODNI.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for fostering a more integrated and capable intelligence workforce within DHS and across the broader Intelligence Community. They believe that cross-agency assignments build critical relationships, share best practices, and enhance understanding of diverse intelligence missions, ultimately improving national security by ensuring a more cohesive and experienced intelligence apparatus.

Critics contend

Some might argue that mandating participation could lead to a 'one-size-fits-all' approach that might not perfectly suit the unique operational needs of all DHS intelligence components. Concerns could also be raised about the potential for temporary loss of specialized personnel from critical DHS functions during their rotational assignments, potentially impacting immediate operational readiness.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the benefits of interagency collaboration and professional development against potential administrative burdens and the temporary reallocation of specialized personnel from their primary DHS duties. It aims to standardize participation while allowing for ODNI policy to guide implementation, seeking to maximize integration without unduly compromising specific agency missions.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.