S. 848: Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2025, outlines new requirements for federal agencies regarding reporting acts of terrorism. Here are the main components of what the bill proposes:

Definitions

The bill begins by defining key terms related to its provisions. An "act of terrorism" is defined according to the existing legal definition. It also specifies which congressional committees are considered appropriate for receiving the reports mandated by the bill.

Reporting Requirements

Under the bill, when an act of terrorism occurs in the United States, several key government officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, are required to:

• Submit an unclassified report (which might include a classified annex) to Congress within one year after the investigation is completed.
• Make this report accessible on a public website.

The reports can be compiled into a single quarterly report to Congress, and any Member of Congress can request access to unclassified reports or classified sections.

Content of Reports

The reports must include:

• A statement of the known facts surrounding the act of terrorism at the time the report is submitted.
• Identification of any gaps in national or homeland security that need to be addressed to prevent future terrorist acts.
• Recommendations for improving homeland or national security, which could involve changes in law enforcement practices or legal adjustments.

Exemptions

If officials determine that certain information could jeopardize ongoing investigations or prosecutions, they have the discretion to withhold that information from the reports. However, they must inform the appropriate congressional committees about their decision to withhold information.

Duration and Authority Limitations

The reporting requirement section of the bill is set to expire five years after the bill is enacted. Additionally, it clarifies that this legislation does not give the National Counterterrorism Center any prosecutorial or investigatory authority.

Relevant Companies

None found