This bill establishes an Office of Security Training and Counterintelligence within the Executive Office of the President to enhance security practices and protect classified information.
Charles "Chuck" Schumer
Senator
NY
The "Operational Security Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Security Training and Counterintelligence within the Executive Office of the President, headed by a Senate-confirmed Director, to advise on security training, counterintelligence, and the protection of classified information. It also creates a Security Training and Counterintelligence Advisory Board, composed of security experts appointed by congressional leaders, to provide recommendations to congressional intelligence committees.
Bill Proposes New White House Security Office for Training and Counterintelligence
This bill, the "Operational Security Act of 2025," aims to create a dedicated Office of Security Training and Counterintelligence right within the Executive Office of the President (EOP). The core idea is to centralize and beef up security practices at the highest level of the executive branch. It mandates establishing this office, headed by a Director appointed by the President (with Senate confirmation) within 30 days of the bill becoming law. This Director needs serious credentials: recognized expertise in areas like cybersecurity or counterintelligence, plus top-level security clearances.
Inside the New Security Hub
The office won't be starting from scratch; it's designed to be staffed by seasoned security and counterintelligence pros detailed from various federal agencies, including the intelligence community. Everyone involved will need the appropriate security clearances. Their mandate is pretty broad: advising the EOP on security training (both online and in-person), handling counterintelligence matters (which means protecting against spying and sabotage, often from foreign powers), tackling insider threats (risks posed by people within an organization), and safeguarding classified and sensitive information. Interestingly, the bill specifically mentions advising on the use of unclassified messaging apps and requires collaboration with the National Archives on record protection.
Checks, Balances, and Best Practices
To provide outside perspective and oversight, the bill also sets up a Security Training and Counterintelligence Advisory Board. Think of it as an independent panel of experts meant to keep the new office sharp. This four-member board will have appointees from both parties in the House and Senate. Like the Director, these members need to be security experts with top clearances. They'll serve two-year terms and are tasked with advising on the latest best practices in security training, counterintelligence, and protecting sensitive info. Crucially, the Board must submit annual reports with recommendations directly to the congressional intelligence committees, ensuring lawmakers stay in the loop. To maintain independence, the Board's chairperson cannot be a current or former EOP employee.