Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act
Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Introduced
Summary
Delegation of pre-approval authority for Diplomatic Security special agents to request wire, oral, and electronic intercepts under 18 U.S.C. 2516 would move pre-approval power from the Secretary of State to the Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security or the Principal Deputy. It also includes a Sense of Congress that DS agents should have recording powers comparable to other federal law enforcement to improve timeliness and public confidence.
Show full summary
- Diplomatic Security special agents: Would face fewer approval bottlenecks and could secure intercept authorizations more quickly because the Assistant Secretary or Principal Deputy could grant pre-approval instead of the Secretary of State.
- State Department operations: Requires the Secretary to revise section 221.5 of Volume 12 of the Foreign Affairs Manual within 90 days after enactment to reflect the delegation and align practice with 22 U.S.C. 2709(a) and Chapter 119 of title 18.
- Public oversight and parity: Expresses Congress's view that allowing DS agents similar recording authorities as other federal agencies will boost accountability and public confidence.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster approvals for Diplomatic Security wiretaps
This bill would let the Secretary of State delegate pre-approval for Diplomatic Security wiretap and recording requests. The Assistant Secretary or the Principal Deputy could give this pre-approval. Requests would still need to follow federal wiretap law and be for official Diplomatic Security duties. The Secretary would have to update the Foreign Affairs Manual within 90 days after enactment. The bill also states that Congress believes DS agents should be able to record like other federal agencies and that current approvals are too slow.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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