Foreign Adversary AI Risk Assessment and Diplomacy Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/7058
Last Updated: May 3, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

ID: B001322

Follow the money

The bill

Foreign Adversary AI Risk Assessment and Diplomacy Act

HR. 7058, 119th Congress — read as touching AI & Cloud Infrastructure.

The sponsor

Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$126,974 raised

26 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

70% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Intelligence Community" section, p. 248-250 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 0.

March 25, 2026

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the geniuses in Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Foreign Adversary AI Risk Assessment and Diplomacy Act (HR 7058) claims to address the "national security risks" posed by foreign adversaries using generative artificial intelligence for malicious activities. How quaint. In reality, this bill is a thinly veiled attempt to justify more bureaucratic busywork, padding the pockets of defense contractors, and further entrenching the surveillance state.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct assessments of the risks posed by foreign adversaries using AI for malicious activities. Oh, wow, I bet this will be a real challenge – identifying threats that don't actually exist or are wildly exaggerated. The assessments will include analyses of incidents, emerging trends, and recommendations to mitigate these "risks." Because, you know, the US government has a stellar track record of predicting and preventing cyber threats (cough, Snowden, cough). This bill also expands the definition of "foreign adversary" to include any country that doesn't toe the US line, because who needs nuance in international relations?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects will benefit from this bill: defense contractors, AI startups looking for government handouts, and politicians seeking to burnish their national security credentials. The actual stakeholders – American citizens, foreign nations, and the global community – will be subjected to more surveillance, propaganda, and potential conflict escalation.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill will likely lead to a further militarization of AI research, more aggressive cyber operations, and an increased risk of conflict with "foreign adversaries." It will also provide a convenient pretext for the US government to expand its surveillance powers, under the guise of "protecting national security." Meanwhile, the real issues – like addressing the actual risks of AI development, promoting international cooperation, and ensuring accountability in AI research – will be ignored or paid lip service.

In conclusion, HR 7058 is a classic case of legislative malpractice. It's a bill designed to appease the military-industrial complex, justify more government overreach, and distract from the real challenges facing the world. The diagnosis? A bad case of "Security Theater-itis," characterized by symptoms of bureaucratic self-interest, xenophobia, and a complete disregard for the well-being of actual human beings. Prognosis? More of the same: pointless assessments, wasteful spending, and a further erosion of civil liberties. Joy.

Related Topics

National Security & IntelligenceForeign Aid & DiplomacyDefense Spending & Procurement
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$126,974
21 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$12,900
Committees
$0
Individuals
$114,074

No PAC contributions found

1
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION
3 transactions
$8,600
2
KALISPEL TRIBAL ECONOMIC AUTHORITY
2 transactions
$3,300
3
YAKAMA NATION
1 transaction
$1,000

No committee contributions found

1
JHASHI, VAJA
1 transaction
$13,200
2
PLATH, PETER
2 transactions
$13,200
3
SCHNAUBELT, CHRISTOPHER
2 transactions
$6,870
4
BENNETT, GREGG
1 transaction
$6,600
5
CONNORS, JOHN
1 transaction
$6,600
6
CONNORS, KATHY
1 transaction
$6,600
7
MERCK, MAGGIE
1 transaction
$6,600
8
ODERMAT, MARY
1 transaction
$6,600
9
PARKS, DAVE
1 transaction
$6,600
10
CHAUDHRY, ASIF
1 transaction
$6,600
11
MAHMOOD, ARSHAD
1 transaction
$6,600
12
SLIVKA, BENJAMIN
1 transaction
$5,829
13
JOHNSON, KEVIN
1 transaction
$5,000
14
ANDERSON, MARK
1 transaction
$3,435
15
BRIDGEWATER, JACK
1 transaction
$3,435
16
HERCHE, THOMAS
1 transaction
$3,435
17
RINDLAUB, SARAH
1 transaction
$3,435
18
WETZEL, SCOTT
1 transaction
$3,435

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]

ID: H001098

Top Contributors

10

1
CLB PARTNERS
OrganizationGILBERT, AZ
$12,000
Jan 28, 2024
2
ADVANTAGE INSURANCE PLLC
OrganizationPHOENIX, AZ
$3,300
May 7, 2024
3
JARDIN RATZKEN PLLC
OrganizationTEMPE, AZ
$1,000
Feb 26, 2024
4
JARDIN RATZKEN PLLC
OrganizationTEMPE, AZ
$1,000
Mar 26, 2024
5
HAMADEH, WASEEM J
HOH INVESTMENT GROUP • MANAGING MEMBER
IndividualPHOENIX, AZ
$13,200
Dec 29, 2023
6
MANLEY, DWIGHT
SELF-EMPLOYED • INVESTMENTS
IndividualBREA, CA
$13,200
Dec 13, 2023
7
HAYDEN, STEPHEN
ENTREPRENEUR • ENTREPRENEUR
IndividualELLENSBURG, WA
$13,200
Mar 14, 2024
8
PRICE, KAPU
PATRIOT DISPOSAL • SELF-EMPLOYED
IndividualPRESCOTT, AZ
$13,200
Feb 29, 2024
9
HAYDEN, STEPHEN
ENTREPRENEUR • ENTREPRENEUR
IndividualELLENSBURG, WA
$13,200
Mar 14, 2024
10
NOWOCIEN, PIOTR
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualPINECREST, FL
$9,900
Mar 16, 2024

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]

ID: S000168

Top Contributors

10

1
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
May 26, 2023
2
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
Jun 7, 2024
3
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
OrganizationMIAMI, FL
$1,000
Dec 19, 2023
4
DIAZ-OLIVER, REMEDIOS MRS.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
5
FALIC, JANA
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualBAL HARBOUR, FL
$6,600
Dec 31, 2023
6
MENDOZA GOMEZ, ROSSY A.
ROSE CAFE • OWNER
IndividualCORAL GABLES, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
7
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Oct 17, 2023
8
WEEKLEY, RICHARD
SELF-EMPLOYED • REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Nov 7, 2023
9
BARQUET, ROY
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP • ATTORNEY
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 6, 2023
10
PETERFFY, THOMAS
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP • CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023

Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

ID: E000235

Top Contributors

10

1
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC - ALEX HINSON, PARTNER AND CHIEF EXEC. OFFICER
OrganizationBIRMINGHAM, AL
$2,500
Nov 2, 2023
2
ALLY TELECOM GROUP LLC - PARTNERSHIP - MITCH KALIFEH
OrganizationMETAIRIE, LA
$2,500
Aug 30, 2023
3
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$1,000
Apr 25, 2023
4
GONC LTC, LLC
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$1,000
Sep 14, 2023
5
STEED'S COLLISION CTR, LLC - LAURA STEED MANAGER
OrganizationBILOXI, MS
$1,000
Aug 30, 2023
6
WATKINS & EAGER PLLC - GRANT SELLERS, PARTNER
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$1,000
Aug 30, 2023
7
TEN ONE STRATEGIES - JOHN HUGHES, MANAGING PARTNER
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$500
Aug 25, 2023
8
GULF PRIDE COMPANIES, LLC - ERICH N. NICHOLS, MANAGER
OrganizationGULFPORT, MS
$250
Aug 30, 2023
9
WATKINS & EAGER PLLC - GRANT SELLERS, PARTNER
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$250
Aug 25, 2023
10
DUNAGIN, MELINDA
DUNAGIN PEST SOLUTIONS • OFFICE MANAGER
IndividualHATTIESBURG, MS
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024

Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]

ID: S001229

Top Contributors

10

1
SASSO, APRIL
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualCARMEL, IN
$6,600
Oct 30, 2024
2
PONDER, JACQUELINE
BOWMAN FAMILY HOLDINGS • LAWYER
IndividualGREENWOOD, IN
$3,437
Oct 29, 2024
3
KING, CHRISTOPHER M.
RUNNEBOHM CONSTRUCTION, INC. • OWNER
IndividualSHELBYVILLE, IN
$3,300
Jun 7, 2024
4
CALDWELL, JORDAN
CALDWELL'S INC. • EXECUTIVE
IndividualSHELBYVILLE, IN
$3,300
Oct 20, 2024
5
DOPPELT, BRIAN
BAINBRIDGE COMPANIES • EXECUTIVE
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
6
KING, KYLIE A.
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualSHELBYVILLE, IN
$3,300
Oct 20, 2024
7
SASSO, RICK C.
INDIANA SPINE GROUP • PHYSICIAN
IndividualCARMEL, IN
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
8
SCHUMACHER, AMY MAE
THE HERITAGE GROUP • CEO
IndividualCARMEL, IN
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
9
MCALLISTER, CHRIS
TARBERT PROPERTIES LP • PARTNER
IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
10
ZINK, JAMES C.
ZINK DISTRIBUTING • CHAIRMAN / CEO
IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN
$3,300
Nov 2, 2024

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

ID: L000599

Top Contributors

10

1
MURTAGH, COSSU, VENDITTI & CASTRO-BLANCO, LLP
OrganizationWHITE PLAINS, NY
$1,000
Feb 24, 2024
2
BATMASIAN, JAMES
INVESTMENTS LIMITED • OWNER
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 27, 2023
3
BATMASIAN, JAMES
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 29, 2023
4
AUSTIN, ROBERT
UNAKA CO., INC. • BUSINESSMAN
IndividualDALLAS, TX
$6,600
Jul 18, 2024
5
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 15, 2024
6
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 22, 2024
7
SCALA, MARY ELLEN
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualPORT CHESTER, NY
$5,300
Aug 27, 2023
8
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
SELF • PRESIDENT
IndividualSPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 24, 2024
9
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
IndividualSPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 25, 2024
10
PERLMUTTER, RAFUEL
GOLDEN TASTE • CEO
IndividualSPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,400
Jun 24, 2024

Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5]

ID: R000609

Top Contributors

10

1
CHICKASAW NATION
PACADA, OK
$1,000
Jun 16, 2023
2
MOHEGAN TRIBE OF INDIANS OF CONNECTICUT
OrganizationMONTVILLE, CT
$1,000
Nov 4, 2024
3
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$1,000
Nov 4, 2024
4
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK
$1,000
Jun 30, 2024
5
DEMOCRACY ENGINE LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$9
May 7, 2024
6
DEMOCRACY ENGINE LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$3
Jun 30, 2024
7
DEMOCRACY ENGINE LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$2
May 7, 2024
8
DEMOCRACY ENGINE LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1
Apr 4, 2024
9
DEMOCRACY ENGINE LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1
Apr 12, 2024
10
DEMOCRACY ENGINE LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1
Jun 3, 2024

Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]

ID: M001240

Top Contributors

10

1
FLOW, MEGHAN
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualLEWISVILLE, NC
$6,600
Mar 1, 2024
2
FLOW, MEGHAN
IndividualLEWISVILLE, NC
$6,600
Feb 29, 2024
3
KING, SEBASTIAN
SELF EMPLOYED • CONSULTANT
IndividualPFAFFTOWN, NC
$3,435
May 28, 2024
4
JOHNSON, BRIAN
IndividualALEXANDRIA, VA
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
5
BROWN, THOMAS
MINDSET • PARTNER
IndividualCHEVY CHASE, MD
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
6
TOWNSEND, JOHN
PAY TEL COMMUNICATIONS • OWNER
IndividualKERNERSVILLE, NC
$3,300
Oct 20, 2024
7
BRAUER, CAMILLA
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualBRIDGETON, MO
$3,300
Sep 20, 2024
8
BRAUER, STEPHEN
HUNTER ENGINEERING • CHAIRMAN
IndividualBRIDGETON, MO
$3,300
Sep 18, 2024
9
SHAHEEN, LAWRENCE
SELF-EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$3,300
Jul 16, 2024
10
CANNON, CRAIG
KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON • ATTORNEY
IndividualWINSTON SALEM, NC
$3,300
Dec 31, 2024

Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8]

ID: H001099

Top Contributors

10

1
JARNES, LARRY
NORTHBORO BUILDERS INC • BUILDER
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$9,900
May 20, 2024
2
FARINELLA, NICK
SELF-EMPLOYED • REALTOR
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$3,518
May 6, 2024
3
HILL, KEVIN
RE/MAX ALTERNATIVE • REALTOR
IndividualINDIAN HARBOUR BEA, FL
$3,518
May 6, 2024
4
MOLLEN, JACK
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$3,518
May 17, 2024
5
SHOULDERS, KATHY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualINDIAN HARBOUR BEA, FL
$3,518
May 21, 2024
6
SHOULDERS, WILLIAM
HANDEX CONSULTING REMEDIATION • EXECUTIVE
IndividualINDIAN HARBOUR BEA, FL
$3,518
Apr 30, 2024
7
BERRY, JAMES
DELTA AIR LINES • PILOT
IndividualMELBOURNE, FL
$3,435
Sep 10, 2024
8
DANDRIDGE, STEPHANIE
SOTHEBYS • REALTOR
IndividualINDIALANTIC, FL
$3,435
Sep 19, 2024
9
FLACHS, BRUCE
PRESCIENT NATIONAL • INSURANCE
IndividualVERO BEACH, FL
$3,435
Sep 4, 2024
10
MARUMOTO, ALAN K.
UNIVERSITY CENTER IMAGING • PHYSICIAN
IndividualINDIALANTIC, FL
$3,435
Sep 13, 2024

Rep. Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7]

ID: V000139

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]

ID: F000484

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Donor Network - Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 57 nodes and 41 connections (50 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $184,411

Top Donors - Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

Showing top 21 donors by contribution amount

3 Orgs18 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 helped.

  • Section 3 requires assessments of foreign adversaries' use of generative AI for malicious activities, which may drive demand for AI safety, detection, and defensive technologies, benefiting AI and cloud infrastructure providers.

  • +Cybersecurityconfidence 0.85

    Section 3(b)(1)(C) includes analysis of malicious cyber operations enabled by generative AI, likely increasing need for cybersecurity defenses and thus benefiting cybersecurity firms.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Intelligence Community

Moderate
Vector: 66%
Pages: 248-250AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 excerpt concern assessing and countering threats from foreign adversaries, particularly highlighting the need for intelligence-informed national security actions; however, the bill focuses on State Department AI risk assessments while Project 2025 emphasizes intelligence community reforms, FISA, and politicization safeguards, resulting in only moderate thematic overlap."

Key themes:foreign adversary threat assessmentAI/malicious technology risksnational securityintelligence sharingChina-focused competition

— 215 — Intelligence Community Hill who attempt to weaponize the use of selective intelligence to feed political narratives. l Political leaders should avoid “manipulation-by-appointment,” a practice by which intelligence leaders are selected for their policy views or political loyalties instead of their skilled expertise.24 Presidents should also avoid public rebukes and pressure from the intelligence profession, which can include intimidation and bullying, to shape IC analysis. This will be easier if IC leaders live by the norms of neutrality and thus are not seen as political actors, for whom political responses are deemed necessary. l Intelligence leaders and professionals should never “cook the books” for Presidents or change or shape their analysis to preserve access or status.25 FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT (FISA) A future President should understand the importance of FISA26 while also seek- ing reforms and accountability for any abuses of its authorities. When discussing FISA and what changes may need to be made, it is important to note and recognize that there are stark differences among the individual FISA authorities. Section 702 of FISA, for example, allows the IC to target foreign terrorists, spies, cyber hackers, and other bad actors (but only if they are non-U.S. persons) when their communications pass through the United States. While this authority may lapse if Congress does not resolve the issue by the end of 2023, Section 702 should be understood as an essential tool in the fight against terrorism, malicious cyber actors, and Chinese espionage. These are two major national security priorities for an incoming President, and it is imperative that the need to use properly main- tained and accountable authorities to counter these challenges be recognized. Section 702 is a vital program that often provides the lion’s share of intelligence used in the President’s Daily Brief (PDB).27 An independent review by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) found that it was not abused. Nev- ertheless, Congress should review the PCLOB’s upcoming 2023 report to help it determine whether any reforms or codification of recent administrative changes in FISA processes are needed. Other authorities in Title I and Title III, often referred to as “traditional” FISA, have elicited valid concerns about the politicization of intelligence collection authority in recent years. When seeking surveillance of Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, for example, the FBI and the Department of Justice concealed vital information from a specialized court and submitted applications that were riddled with errors. An incoming conservative President should consider reforms designed to prevent future partisan abuses of national security authority. A package of strong provisions to protect against such partisanship might include: — 216 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Stiffer penalties and mandatory investigations when intelligence leaks are aimed at domestic political targets, l Tighter controls on otherwise lawful intercepts that also collect the communications of domestic political figures, l An express prohibition on politically motivated use of intelligence authorities, and l Reforms to improve the accountability of the Justice Department and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. To keep intelligence credentials from being used for partisan purposes, former high-ranking intelligence officials who retain a clearance should remain subject to the Hatch Act after they leave government to deter them from tying their political stands or activism to their continuing privilege of access to classified government information. The IC should be prohibited from monitoring so-called domestic disinformation. Such activity can easily slip into suppression of an opposition party’s speech, is corrosive of First Amendment protections, and raises questions about impartiality when the IC chooses not to act. CHINA-FOCUSED CHANGES, REFORMS, AND RESOURCES The term “whole of government” is all too frequently overused, but in responding to the generational threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party, that is exactly the approach that our national security apparatus should adopt. CIA Director William Burns has formally established a China Mission Center focused on these efforts, but it can be successful only if it is given the necessary personnel, cross-community collaboration, and resources. That is uncertain at this point, and just how seriously the organization is taking the staffing of the center is unclear. A critical strategic question for an incoming Administration and IC lead- ers will be: How, when, and with whom do we share our classified intelligence? Understanding when to pass things to liaisons and for what purpose will be vital to outmaneuvering China in the intelligence sphere. Questions for a President will include: l What is our overarching conception of the adversarial relationship and competition? l How does intelligence-sharing fit into that conception?

Department of Defense

Moderate
Vector: 64%
Pages: 140-142AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill’s focus on assessing foreign adversary AI risks and promoting transparency aligns with Project 2025’s goals of strengthening national security intelligence, restoring accountability, and improving defense against foreign threats, though it does not directly address DOD‑DHS alignment or security‑clearance reforms."

Key themes:foreign adversary threatsintelligence analysisnational securitytransparency and accountability

— 107 — Department of Defense 5. Establish true alignment between DOD and DHS both to improve the defense of critical U.S. infrastructure and national border integrity and to develop vital information that enables defense against foreign targeted disruptions.23 l Restore accountability and public trust. In recent years, public trust in Defense Intelligence has been eroded by, for example, flawed assumptions leading up to our Afghanistan withdrawal, flawed Russia–Ukraine assessments, divergences in relations with key Gulf allies, and voids being filled by Russia and China around the world. For trust to be restored and sustained, officials must be held accountable. 1. Restore DIE critical thinking. Establish mechanisms to restore analytic integrity and return to true intelligence-driven operations. The next Administration should eliminate the conflict of interest in the current customer-based model (in which the customer is always right) by enforcing time-tested procedures that guarantee independent analysis, even if it means challenging policymakers’ assumptions. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security’s leadership role should be expanded to include providing analytic top-line views and improve DIE transparency by highlighting diverging views. 2. Elevate the DIE’s voice in national policy discussions, commensurate with the DIE’s 75 percent share of the IC budget. Present defense intelligence to senior policymakers, either independently to avoid all-source bias or in consensus products like the National Intelligence Estimates. l Eliminate peripheral intelligence obligations that do not advance military readiness. In 2019, following the catastrophic 2015 data breach at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) accepted transfer of the responsibility to conduct security clearance and suitability investigations for 95 percent of the U.S. government’s civilian workforce. This decision, which grew out of an intention to deconstruct OPM, was wrongheaded on many levels and made the federal bureaucracy dependent on a new overlay of DOD bureaucracy, in a sense instilling DOD control of civilian managers. This function should be returned to OPM except for military security clearance investigations.

Intelligence Community

Weak
Vector: 65%
Pages: 248-250AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on State Department assessments of foreign adversary AI risks, while the Project 2025 excerpt emphasizes intelligence community neutrality, FISA reforms, and guarding against politicization; there is only a tangential connection through broader national security concerns."

Key themes:national securityforeign adversariesintelligencerisk assessmenttransparency

— 215 — Intelligence Community Hill who attempt to weaponize the use of selective intelligence to feed political narratives. l Political leaders should avoid “manipulation-by-appointment,” a practice by which intelligence leaders are selected for their policy views or political loyalties instead of their skilled expertise.24 Presidents should also avoid public rebukes and pressure from the intelligence profession, which can include intimidation and bullying, to shape IC analysis. This will be easier if IC leaders live by the norms of neutrality and thus are not seen as political actors, for whom political responses are deemed necessary. l Intelligence leaders and professionals should never “cook the books” for Presidents or change or shape their analysis to preserve access or status.25 FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT (FISA) A future President should understand the importance of FISA26 while also seek- ing reforms and accountability for any abuses of its authorities. When discussing FISA and what changes may need to be made, it is important to note and recognize that there are stark differences among the individual FISA authorities. Section 702 of FISA, for example, allows the IC to target foreign terrorists, spies, cyber hackers, and other bad actors (but only if they are non-U.S. persons) when their communications pass through the United States. While this authority may lapse if Congress does not resolve the issue by the end of 2023, Section 702 should be understood as an essential tool in the fight against terrorism, malicious cyber actors, and Chinese espionage. These are two major national security priorities for an incoming President, and it is imperative that the need to use properly main- tained and accountable authorities to counter these challenges be recognized. Section 702 is a vital program that often provides the lion’s share of intelligence used in the President’s Daily Brief (PDB).27 An independent review by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) found that it was not abused. Nev- ertheless, Congress should review the PCLOB’s upcoming 2023 report to help it determine whether any reforms or codification of recent administrative changes in FISA processes are needed. Other authorities in Title I and Title III, often referred to as “traditional” FISA, have elicited valid concerns about the politicization of intelligence collection authority in recent years. When seeking surveillance of Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, for example, the FBI and the Department of Justice concealed vital information from a specialized court and submitted applications that were riddled with errors. An incoming conservative President should consider reforms designed to prevent future partisan abuses of national security authority. A package of strong provisions to protect against such partisanship might include:

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Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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