SAFE VISITS Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance the security of State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments by providing DHS-led threat intelligence and vetting support against potential foreign national threats.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to mandate that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide annual threat analyses and guidance to State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments concerning foreign nationals seeking access to their officials, information, facilities, programs, or systems. It also requires DHS to offer tailored outreach and vetting assistance to SLTT governments identified as high-risk targets and to conduct debriefings after such visits. Additionally, it directs DHS to coordinate research and development for improved information sharing technology.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that SLTT governments often lack the specialized intelligence capabilities and resources to adequately vet foreign nationals seeking access to sensitive information or officials, making them vulnerable to espionage or other malicious activities. This bill would fill that critical gap, leveraging DHS's expertise to protect vital government functions and infrastructure at all levels of government.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that this bill could lead to an overreach of federal authority into SLTT government operations or create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for legitimate international engagement. Concerns could also be raised about potential profiling or discrimination against foreign nationals, or the cost and feasibility of DHS providing such extensive vetting assistance without specific appropriations.
The bill is short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 210H(a) to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Mandating Annual Threat Analyses and Guidance for SLTT Governments
This provision requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to annually submit a threat analysis, including potential terrorism threats, to Congress. Based on this analysis, DHS must disseminate guidance to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments regarding foreign nationals who seek access to their officials, information, facilities, programs, or systems.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for empowering SLTT governments with federal intelligence to counter sophisticated foreign threats they might otherwise miss, thereby bolstering national security from the ground up.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that this could lead to an information overload for SLTT governments or that the guidance might not be sufficiently tailored to diverse local contexts, potentially creating unnecessary burdens or misdirected efforts.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for federal intelligence sharing with potential concerns about federal overreach or the practical applicability of broad guidance to diverse local entities.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 210H(b) to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Specific Requirements for Threat Analysis and Guidance Content
This section details what the annual threat analysis and guidance must include. It requires descriptions of high-risk SLTT government targets, an analysis of trends related to foreign national visits based on fusion center data, and descriptions of actions to mitigate homeland security threats to SLTT officials, information, facilities, programs, or systems.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 210H(c) to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Targeted Support for High-Risk SLTT Government Targets
If DHS identifies a high-risk SLTT government target, the Secretary must conduct outreach, provide classified or unclassified information regarding the potential threat, offer assistance in vetting the foreign national, and give specific mitigation guidance. After the visit, DHS must request a debriefing from the host SLTT government to maintain awareness of foreign national tactics.
Section 2(b)
DHS Research and Development for Enhanced Information Sharing
This provision directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to carry out research and development of technology aimed at enhancing information sharing to support the new Section 210H of the Homeland Security Act.
Defines 'information' as data or materials collected, possessed, or prepared by a State, local, Tribal, or territorial government that is not intended for public disclosure or general use.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 210H(e) to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to define terms at the end of a section to ensure clarity and avoid repetition within the main text.
Case for: Proponents would argue this definition is crucial for clarity, ensuring that DHS's guidance and vetting assistance focus on genuinely sensitive data and avoid infringing on publicly available information, thus protecting privacy and open government principles.
Case against: Critics might argue that the definition is still broad enough to encompass a wide range of data, potentially leading to over-classification or unnecessary restrictions on information that could otherwise be shared, hindering transparency or legitimate public access.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the scope of 'information' that SLTT governments are meant to protect under the bill, influencing the focus of DHS's efforts and the types of data subject to enhanced security measures.