H.R. 5412 is the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff in September 2021. The bill authorizes funding for U.S. intelligence agencies and creates new rules for how they operate, including a major provision requiring intelligence agencies to share data on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) with a dedicated task force and Congress. The bill also addresses personnel matters, security protocols, and medical care for intelligence workers.
What does the bill do about unidentified aerial phenomena?
Section 312 of the bill creates new requirements for handling UAP data. The Director of National Intelligence must ensure that every intelligence agency shares its UAP data immediately with the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (established by the Department of Defense in August 2020) and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center. The task force must then submit classified reports to Congress at least every three months, starting within 90 days of the bill's enactment. Each report must list all UAP-related events reported during the period covered, plus any earlier events not included in previous reports.
What other intelligence activities does the bill authorize?
The bill authorizes appropriations for intelligence and intelligence-related activities across the U.S. government, the Community Management Account, and the CIA Retirement and Disability System. It also addresses personnel recruitment and retention, diversity and inclusion efforts, and whistleblower protections. The bill requires the CIA to have the same authorities as the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to protect against unmanned aircraft.
What does the bill require regarding former intelligence officers?
Section 308 prohibits certain former intelligence community personnel from accepting certain employment, such as providing intelligence services to a foreign country, for 30 months after leaving intelligence community employment.
What other major provisions are included?
The bill establishes the National Space Intelligence Center as a field operating agency of the Space Force. It requires the FBI to conduct security assessments of products or services from entities connected to China's government before the FBI may procure them. The bill also requires the President to develop protocols for the intelligence community regarding medical testing, treatment, information collection, and reporting. Additionally, it creates a pilot program to identify risks associated with individuals performing Department of Defense-funded unclassified research who would not otherwise undergo federal personnel vetting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force?
The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force is a task force established by the Department of Defense on August 4, 2020, to be led by the Department of the Navy under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. The bill requires this task force to receive UAP data from all intelligence agencies and submit quarterly reports to Congress.
the task force established by the Department of Defense on August 4, 2020, to be led by the Department of the Navy, under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security
How often must the UAP Task Force report to Congress?
The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force must submit reports to Congress at least quarterly, with the first report due within 90 days of the bill's enactment. Each report must be submitted in classified form to protect intelligence sources and methods.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than quarterly thereafter, the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, or successor entity, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report
What must be included in the UAP reports to Congress?
Each quarterly report must include all reported unidentified aerial phenomena-related events that occurred during the period covered by the report, as well as any earlier UAP-related events that were not included in previous reports.
When was this bill introduced and what is its current status?
Rep. Adam Schiff introduced H.R. 5412 on September 29, 2021. As of October 28, 2021, the bill was reported with an amendment from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and placed on the Union Calendar.
Related Intelligence
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
This 2022 intelligence bill authorizes funding and activities for U.S. spy agencies and establishes new oversight rules for UAP data.
Open fileUnidentified Aerial Phenomena
Unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) are airborne objects seen by a pilot or aircrew that cannot be immediately identified.
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