United StatesRequires DHS-wide policy for public communications and social media
This changes how DHS staff must create, approve, record, and report public communications, affecting accuracy, accountability, and response speed.
What it does
Requires the Secretary to issue a Department-wide public communications policy within 90 days to improve accuracy, utility, objectivity, and integrity of public-facing materials.
Designates the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Affairs as the oversight authority for all DHS social media and requires approval, designated account managers, and archival of accounts.
Requires annual department-wide training, new-employee social media training within 30 days, and component reporting of training completion.
Mandates component-specific policies aligned with the Department policy and review/certification by the Office of Public Affairs and General Counsel.
Requires IG audit within one year and annual reporting on compliance, misuse incidents, corrective actions, and trends.
Argument forCreates clearer, centralized standards and oversight to improve the accuracy and objectivity of DHS public information, reducing errors and inconsistent messaging.
Argument againstCentralized approval and oversight could slow urgent or time-sensitive public communications and reduce the Department’s agility in emergencies.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 7Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.Latest
- Jun 8Introduced in House
- Jun 8Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.Introduced
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