Fedweek

A bipartisan bill (S-434) has been reintroduced in the Senate to strengthen controls over security clearances, which are needed for many federal positions. It would react to recent issues arising by: deeming unfit for federal employment an employee who has engaged in misconduct affecting the integrity of a background investigation; ordering a review and updated guidance on designating the sensitivity level of a position and the level of background investigation needed for it; requiring that the sensitivity level of each position be reviewed at least every five years; and requiring that the final review of a decision regarding an individual’s eligibility not be performed by the same contractor that performed the investigation. A similar bill passed the Senate last year but not the House.