SB 848, the REPORT Act, requires certain federal officials to produce joint reports to Congress after an act of terrorism occurs in the United States. The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, the FBI Director, and, when appropriate, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center must submit an unclassified report, with a classified annex if needed, to specified congressional committees no later than one year after the primary investigating agency completes its investigation. The report must also be posted on a publicly accessible website and made available to any Member of Congress upon request.
The required reports must describe the facts of the incident to the extent known, identify homeland or national security gaps that could help prevent similar attacks, and include recommendations for additional measures, including possible changes to law enforcement practices or federal law. The bill allows the reports to be combined into quarterly submissions and includes a five-year sunset, after which the reporting requirement expires. It also clarifies that nothing in the bill gives the National Counterterrorism Center prosecutorial or investigative authority.
Impact
The bill would add a new federal reporting mandate tied to domestic terrorism incidents, affecting the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and potentially the National Counterterrorism Center. It creates a recurring obligation to inform Congress and the public about terrorism investigations and lessons learned, while preserving confidentiality for information that could jeopardize an ongoing investigation or prosecution. The measure does not create new enforcement powers, but it could influence future homeland security policy, law enforcement practices, and legislative proposals by formalizing post-incident review and recommendations.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment of the bill. It was reported by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee without amendment, and there are no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts indicating opposition. The absence of amendments or recorded dissent suggests broad support for improving congressional oversight and information-sharing after terrorism incidents.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. The bill’s main policy balance is between transparency and operational sensitivity: it requires public and congressional reporting, but permits withholding information that could harm an ongoing investigation or prosecution. Another potential issue is the scope of the reporting obligation, including which agencies must participate and whether the National Counterterrorism Center should be involved, though the bill expressly denies it investigative or prosecutorial authority.
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out a pilot program for the prevention and mitigation of acts of terrorism using motor vehicles, and for other purposes.