The role of information technology (IT) figures
prominently in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296). Although most of these
provisions are primarily focused on external information management (i.e., the department's
interactions with other departments and agencies), some internal information management provisions
are also included to help address the challenges of absorbing the programs, personnel, and objectives
now residing in other agencies. For example, Section 103 addresses an aspect of federal
management, the creation of a Chief Information Officer (CIO), which was established for agencies
under the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. The law also outlines IT management duties for some of the
Under Secretaries. Compared in relation to the Clinger-Cohen Act, the information technology
management provisions raise some potential oversight issues including the appointment and
reporting requirements of the department-level CIO, overlapping IT management responsibilities
between various departmental officials, and possible national security exemptions from
Clinger-Cohen requirements. This report will be revised as congressional action requires.