Stripping CIA of National Security Act Powers

An Act to Strip the CIA of Powers Allotted Under the National Security Act

Section 1: Title

This Act shall be known as the National Security Act Reformation Act of 2024.

Section 2: Findings

The Congress finds that:

1. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has overstepped its statutory mandates under the National Security Act of 1947, resulting in violations of civil liberties and misalignments with the principles of accountability and transparency in government.

2. The CIA's powers, particularly in domestic surveillance, covert operations, and intelligence gathering, have become disproportionate to its intended role.

3. Reformation of the CIA’s authorities is necessary to preserve the balance of powers, safeguard individual rights, and ensure national security actions remain in strict accordance with constitutional limits.

Section 3: Repeal of CIA Powers Under the National Security Act

(a) Repeal of Section 102 of the National Security Act of 1947: The provision granting the CIA primary responsibility for foreign intelligence and clandestine activities shall be repealed. The CIA shall no longer be authorized to conduct domestic surveillance or covert actions that do not directly pertain to foreign intelligence collection or counterintelligence operations in foreign territories.

(b) Transfer of Domestic Intelligence Powers: All powers currently vested in the CIA for domestic intelligence collection, surveillance, or operations shall be transferred to the Defense Intelligence Agency, specifically its counterterrorism and domestic counterintelligence divisions.

(c) Removal of Covert Operations Authority: The CIA shall no longer hold the authority to engage in covert operations abroad without direct, explicit authorization from Congress through an act of war, declaration of emergency, or special Congressional oversight committee.

(d) Prohibition on Domestic Operations: The CIA shall be prohibited from carrying out any operation, intelligence gathering, or surveillance activities within the United States or its territories. All intelligence operations concerning U.S. citizens or entities must be strictly coordinated and authorized by the FBI or another appropriate domestic agency under the scrutiny of federal judicial review.

Section 4: Reformation of CIA’s Structure and Mission

(a) Limiting Mission Scope: The CIA’s mission shall be strictly limited to its traditional role in foreign intelligence collection and analysis, excluding operations within U.S. borders or domestic influence activities.

(b) Creation of a National Security Oversight Board: A new board shall be established within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review, approve, and oversee all intelligence and security-related activities, ensuring that agencies including the CIA, FBI, and others adhere to the Constitution and established legal guidelines. The board will report directly to Congress.

Section 5: Increased Congressional Oversight and Transparency

(a) Requirement for Annual Congressional Review: The CIA shall be required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing all foreign intelligence activities, including a full breakdown of operations, expenditures, and outcomes. The report shall be made publicly available unless classified for national security purposes.

(b) Declassification of Information: Within a defined timeframe, classified information related to CIA activities shall be subject to review for potential declassification by the National Security Oversight Board.

Section 6: Accountability Measures

(a) Civil and Criminal Liabilities: Any CIA officer found to have violated the limits of this legislation, including unlawful domestic surveillance or covert operations, shall be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

(b) Independent Investigations: The Inspector General of the CIA shall be empowered to conduct independent investigations into violations of this Act, with the authority to recommend removal from office or other disciplinary actions for noncompliance.

Section 7: Implementation and Transition Period

(a) Transfer of Responsibilities: Within six months of the enactment of this Act, all domestic intelligence and surveillance operations currently carried out by the CIA shall be fully transferred to the FBI or other appropriate domestic agencies.

(b) Transition Funding: The Department of Justice and FBI shall receive adequate funding to manage the expanded duties resulting from this transfer of responsibilities.

Section 8: Severability

If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected.

Section 9: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage.