U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528 Homeland Security Privacy Office, Mail Stop 0655 October 31, 2018 SENT VIA E-MAIL TO: weiserw@brennan.law.nyu.edu Wendy R. Weiser Director, Democracy Program Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law 120 Broadway, Suite 1750 New York, NY 10271 Re: 17-cv-06335-KBF Brennan Center v. DOJ, et al. Third Interim Release for DHS FOIA Request No. 2018-HQFO-00465 Dear Ms. Weiser: This is our third interim response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), received on January 8, 2018. You had provided additional information regarding this request to our office on January 19, 2018. For this production, DHS reviewed 645 pages. After review of those 645 pages, DHS has determined that 31 pages were responsive. We have determined to release 6 pages in full. Further, DHS has determined to withhold in part 25 pages, pursuant to FOIA Exemptions (b)(5) and (b)(6). Finally, 614 pages were found to be non-responsive, and will not be produced. If you have any questions regarding this release, please contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Lee, United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, at (212) 637-2714, or by email at Casey.Lee@usdoj.gov. Sincerely, Bradley E. White FOIA Program Specialist Enclosed: 31 pages Question#: 13 Topic: Voter Integrity Commission Hearing: The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request Primary: The Honorable Claire McCaskill Committee: HOMELAND SECURITY (SENATE) Question: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was quoted in The Kansas City Star on May 11, 2017 as saying that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by Executive Order 13799, would have full-time staff from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Homeland Security. Are you aware of any plans to staff the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with DHS employees? If so, what office within DHS will staff the Commission, how many DHS employees will staff the Commission, and what is DHS's anticipated annual budget for the Commission? Res pause-WES) ?133(5) DHS-001-HQFO-465-000205 RE: Auth QFR - 51 Senate Budget McCaskilI (30) #1145121 Set #1 of 2 - Ready for Front Of?ce Review Date: 201?]08fl4 09:14:20 Priority: Normal Type: Note Subject: Good Morning Chris and Tiffany; We just wanted to check on the status ofthese Sl please. '1"hanks! Legislative Affairs Specialist Executive Secretariat Of?ce of the Secretary Department of Homeland Security (bits) phone cell (202) 612-1975 fax Excellent Service Endless Commitment" Froniw?) Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2017' 12:34 PM To: Hamilton, Gene 1031(5) Krebs, Christopher libK?) Tiffanyfbii?) Cc: Front Of?ce Rewew CC 1031(5) I: QFR Group I Cissna, (131(5) Subject: Auth QFR - 81 Senate Budget McCaskill (30) #1145721 Set #1 of2 Ready for Front Of?ce Review Importance: High Good Afternoon, DHS-001-HQFO-465-000206 Attached for Front Of?ce review are draft responses to the ?rst of two sets of Questions For the Record (QFRs) from the June 611?, 2017Jr hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs titled The Department afHomei'and Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request in which DHS Secretary John Kelly testi?ed. This set of QF Rs has been reviewed by DHS offices and Components, including OGC, and is ready for Front Office review. Responses need only be current as of the hearing date of June 6th, 2017 since theQFRs are included as part of the hearing record. QFR Componenti?Topic Counselor(s) Number 1 CBP Congressional Gene Hamilton Justi?cation 2 CBP Unacquired Land Gene Hamilton 3 CBP Northern Border Gene Hamilton 4 PLCY Executive Order Reports Tiffany Cissna 5 CBP CBP Progress Gene Hamilton, Tiffany Cissna 6 ICE ICE Progress Gene Hamilton, Tiffany Cissna 7' USCIS USCIS Progress Gene Hamilton, Tiffany Cissna 8 MGMT OIG Funding I?bl??l ITiffany Cissna 9 FEMA Counterterrorism Grants Chris Krebs 10 FEMA EMA Grants Chris Krebs 1 1 TSA Federal Air Marshalls 12 PLCY Missouri REAL ID Legislation 13 MGMT Voter Integrity Commission Tiffany Cissna 14 USCIS H-2B Visa Cap Gene Hamilton 15 CBP Land Ports of Entry Report Gene Hamilton 16 MGMT Electronic Device Search Tiffany Cissna Software 17 CBP Physical Wall Investment Gene Hamilton 18 CBP Surveillance Technology Gene Hamilton 19 CBP Border Patrol Agents Gene 20 ICE Unaccompanied Minors Gene Hamilton 21 NPPD Cyber Activities Chris Krebs 22 NPPD NCCIC Chris Krebs 23 National Biodefense Analysis Chris Krebs and Countermeasures Center 24 NBACC Closure Chris Krebs 25 USCG Polar Icebreaker Programs Gene Hamilton, Chris Krebs, and I DHS-001-HQFO-465-000207 26 FEMA Urban Area Security Chris Krebs Initiative Allocations 27 MGMT St. Elizabeths Tiffany Cissna 28 NPPD Cybersecurity Hearing Chris Krebs 29 TSA TSA VIPR Funding libii?i?I 30 ICE ICE Private Prisons Gene Hamilton and Elm) 0:005) Respectfully, your comments or clearance is requested as soon as possible and no later than 1:00 pm on Thursday August 10th, 2017. This QFR set still must complete Chief of Staff Review and OMB clearance process prior to submission to the Hill. lfbi??i I Executive Secretariat Of?ce ofthe Secretary Department ofHamelend Security (103(5) phone cell (202) 612-19?5fax C: Excellent Service Endless Commitment? DING) Sender: "Krebs, Christopher COME) I (blf?l i 1Ci55na. Tiffanv Irb?rm (WW) Recipient: Sent Date: 2017f08114 09:14:20 DHS-001-HQFO-465-000208 Question#: 13 Topic: Voter Integrity Commission Hearing: The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request Primary: The Honorable Claire McCaskill Committee: HOMELAND SECURITY (SENATE) Question: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was quoted in The Kansas City Star on May 11, 2017 as saying that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by Executive Order 13799, would have full-time staff from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Homeland Security. Are you aware of any plans to staff the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with DHS employees? If so, what office within DHS will staff the Commission, how many DHS employees will staff the Commission, and what is DHS's anticipated annual budget for the Commission? Response: DHS-001-HQFO-465-000209 6 From: To: ?jam?ton Genelfb?ifc?i (blf?l CC: RE: Auth QFR - 51 Senate Budget McCaskill {30) #1145221 Set #1 of 2 - Ready' for Front Of?ce Review Date: 2017108110 12:58:01 Priority: Normal Subject: Type: Note With edits on behalf of Gene. From: (?153? Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2017 12:34 PM To: Hamilton, Gene Isms) lKrebs, Christopher [are pissna, Tiffany W51 I Cc: Front Of?ce Review CCIWG) IQFR Group 03105) Subject: Auth QFR - 81 Senate Budget (30) #1145721 Set #1 012 - Ready for Front Of?ce Review Importance: High Good Afternoon, Attached for Front Of?ce review are draft responses to the ?rst of two sets of Questions For the Record from the June 6th, 2017' hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs titled The Department ofHomeiand Security Ffscal? Year 2018 Budget Request in which DHS Secretary John Kelly testi?ed. This set of QFRs has been reviewed by DHS of?ces and Components, including OGC, and is ready for Front Of?ce review. Responses need only be current as of the hearing date ol'June 6th, 201?? since theQFRs are included as part of the hearing record. QFR ComponentlTopic Counselor(s) Number 1 CBP Congressional Gene Hamilton Justi?cation DHS-001-HQFO-465-000210 2 CBP Unacquired Land Gene Hamilton 3 CBP Northern Border Gene Hamilton 4 PLCY Executive Order Reports Tiffany Cissna 5 CBP CBP Progress Gene Hamilton, Tiffany Cissna 6 ICE ICE Progress Gene Hamilton, Tiffany Cissna 7 USCIS USCIS Progress Gene Hamilton, Tiffany Cissna 8 MGMT OIG Funding Tiffany Cissna 9 FEMA Counterterrorism Grants Chris Krebs 10 FEMA FEMA Grants Chris Krebs 1 1 TSA Federal Air Marshalls W53 12 PLCY Missouri REAL ID Legislation 13 MGMT Voter Integrity Commission Tiffany Cissna l4 USCIS H-2B Visa Cap Gene Hamilton 15 CBP Land Ports of Entry Report Gene Hamilton 16 MGMT Electronic Device Search Tiffany Cissna Software 17 CBP Physical Wall Investment Gene Hamilton 18 CBP Surveillance Technology Gene Hamilton 19 CBP Border Patrol Agents Gene Hamiltonl?bli?l 20 ICE Unaccompanied Minors Gene Hamilton 21 NPPD Cyber Activities Chris Krebs 22 NPPD NCCIC Chris Krebs 23 National Biodefense Analysis Chris Krebs and Countermeasures Center 24 NBACC Closure Chris Krebs 25 USCG Polar Icebreaker Programs Gene Hamilton, Chris Krebs, and (W15) 26 FEMA Urban Area Security Chris Krebs Initiative Allocations 27 MGMT St. Elizabeths Tiffany Cissna 28 NPPD Cybersecurity Hearing Chris Krebs 29 TSA TSA VIPR Funding PM) 30 ICE ICE Private Prisons Gene Hamilton I Respectfully, your comments or clearance is requested as soon as possible and no later than 1:00 pm on Thursday August 10th, 2017. This QFR set still must complete Chief of Staff Review and OMB clearance process prior to submission to the Hill. DHS-001-HQFO-465-000211 l?bX?) Executive Secretariat Of?ce afthe Secretary Department ef'Hemelend Security 0315) hone ell (202) 612-1975 ex C: Excellent Service Endless Commitment? Sender (W5) Recipient Jitl?milmn Gendibx?) (MICE) Sent Date :Izomuano 12:53:01 DHS-001-HQFO-465-000212 13 Voter Integrity Commission Question#: The Department ol? Homeland Security Fiscal Year Budget Request 'l'opie: Hearing: Primary: The Honorable (.?laire McCaskill HOMELAND SECURITY (SENATE) Committee: Question: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobaeh was quoted in The Kansas City Star on May 111 2017 as sayingr that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by Executive Order 13i99, would have full?time staff from the Of?ce ofthe Vice President and the Department of Homeland Security. Are you aware of any plans to staffthe Presidential Advisory Commission on Eleetion Integrity with DHS employees? If so. what of?ce within DHS will staff the Commission how many DHS employees will staffthe Commission, and what is DHS's anticipated annual budget for the Commission? (B6) [Responseiibj'zji' Question#: 13 Topic: Voter Integrity Commission Hearing: The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request Primary: The Honorable Claire McCaskill Committee: HOMELAND SECURITY (SENATE) Question: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was quoted in The Kansas City Star on May 11, 2017 as saying that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by Executive Order 13799, would have full-time staff from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Homeland Security. Are you aware of any plans to staff the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with DHS employees? If so, what office within DHS will staff the Commission, how many DHS employees will staff the Commission, and what is DHS's anticipated annual budget for the Commission? (W5) Response: ?133(5) DHS-001-HQFO-465-000214 Subject: Incoming 51 Senate Budget QFR Set #1 of 2 Date: 2017f06!22 11:2?:02 Importance: High Priority: Urgent TVpe: Note Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen: DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000215 In an effort to reduce the number of reassignments in IQ, please review the attached word doc. and review the chart below to see the proposed assignment of the ?rst of two sets Questions for the Record for the June 6th, 2017 hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on The Department of Homefand Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request in which Secretary John Kelly testi?ed. These have not yet been entered into and assigned into IQ, however please let us know if you will accept the assignment or suggest who should receive the assignment by 12:00 pm on Monday June 26th, 2017. Draft responses will be due at 12:00 pm on Monday July 3rd, 2017. Topic Proposed Member Assignment 1 Congressional Justi?cation CBP 2 Unacquired Land CBP 3 Northern Border CBP 4 Executive Order Reports CBP 5 CBP Progress CBP 6 ICE Progress ICE 7' USCIS Progress USCIS 8 OIG Funding MGMT Senator Claire 9 Counterterrorism Grants PLCY McCaskill (D-MO) 10 FEMA Grants FEMA 1 Federal Air Marshalls TSA 12 Missouri REAL ID Legislation PLCY 13 Voter Integrity Commission MGMT 14 H2-B Visa Cap USCIS 15 Land Ports of Entry Report CBP 16 Electronic Device Search Software MGMT 17 Physical Wall Investment CBP 18 Surveillance Technology CBP 19 Border Patrol Agents CBP Senator John 20 Unaccompanied Minors ICE McCain (R-AZ) 21 Cyber Activities NPPD 22 NCCIC NPPD 23 National Biodefense Analysis and 8&1" Countermeasures Center 24 NBACC Closure Plan Senator Rob Portman 25 Polar Icebreaker Program USCG (R-OH) 26 Urban Area Security Initiative FEMA Allocations 27 St. Elizabeths MGMT Senator Thomas 28 Cybersecurity Hiring NPPD Carper (D-DE) DHS-001-HQFO-465-000216 29 TSA VIPR Funding TSA 30 Private Prisons ICE Onee entered into and assigned in 10.. all assignments will be ?nal. lib??) I Executive ecretariat Of?ce oftke Secretary Department cf'Hamelend Security ?phone (202) 612-19?5fax (WEE) Sender- Recipient M15) DHS-001-HQFO-465-000217 CW5) Sent Date: 11:27:01 Delivered Date: 11:27:02 DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000218 From: (131(5) To: CC: Subject: SIGNIFICANT CORRESPONDENCE REPORT: 1.23.18 Date: 15:2?:45 Priority: Normal TYPE: Note Attached for your review is today?s signi?cant correspondence report. Based on our review and standard business practices, ESEC recommends tasking these letters to the below Components, with recommended signature level and priority. We ask that counselors provide any substantive guidance on letter assignment?n bullet format), response messaging, and letter priority. OLA should provide input on priority and signature levels if incorrect. We are asking for this input by 10 am tomorrow morning. If no response the letter will be tasked as re?ected here. Date Control Number Received To From Summary Matthew Chrastek Coordinator 1156533 01.19.18 8.1 The American Writes regarding TP 18-0240 Rex T111erson . . . Rellef Coalltlon for Syria Adhikaar for 1156569 81 . . . 18-0414 01.23.18 Rex Tillerson Human Rights and ertes regardmg TP Soclal Justlce . 1 1 5 65 81 .81 Rep. (30de Wr1tes regard1ng con?ict 18-0259 01.12.18 cc. Rep. (SC) former employee of the Cummings Oversight and Governmer DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000219 now an attorney at the Rep. Thompson 1 156585 (MS) Write regarding DHS r: 18-0351 01.23.18 81 related to the defunct. Rep. Brady on Elect] (PA) Please submit any guidance to ESEC?External, Vince Micone, Scott Krause, Donald Swain, and Juliana Blackwell; all are copied on this e-mail. Definitions of Priority: Urgent: 5 Business Days to Final; Draft due 3 Business Days High: 10 Business Days to Final; Draft 7 Business Days Normal: 15 Business Days to Final; Draft 11 Business Days Is Interim Necessary 1 Business Day. Regards, were Administrative Officer U.S. Department of Homeland Security Of?ce of the Executive Secretary C: ??51117: Excellent Service Endless Commitment" 6 Sender: (by: Recipient: DHS-001-HQFO-465-000220 (1315) Sent Date: 2018fDl/23 15:27:44 Delivered Date: 2018fD1/23 15:2?:45 DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000221 From: (W6) To: CC: Subject: RE: SIGNIFICANT CORRESPONDENCE REPORT: 1.23.18 Date: 2018f01f23 15:30:19 Priority: Normal Type: Note Adding 033(5) for awareness since he is not on the Front Office Review CC collective yet. Thanks Fromifbl'i?l I Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2018 3:28 PM To: Front Of?ce Review CC lento I (are Subject: SIGNIFICANT CORRESPONDENCE REPORT: 1.23.18 Attached for your review is today?s signi?cant correspondence report. Based on our review and standard business practices, ESEC recommends tasking these letters to the below Components, with recommended signature level and priority. We ask that counselors provide any substantive guidance on letter assignment?n bullet format), response messaging, and letter priority. OLA should provide input on priority and signature levels if incorrect. We are asking for this input by 10 am tomorrow morning. If no response the letter will be tasked as re?ected here. Date Control Number Received To From Summary 1156533 SI Matthew Chrastek . . 18-0240 01'19'18 Rex Tillerson Coordinator ertes regard1ng TP DHS-001-HQFO-465-000222 The American Relief Coalition for Syria Adhikaar for 1156569 81 . . . 18-0414 01.23.18 Rex Tillerson Human Rights and WrItes regardmg TP Soclal Justlce . Sl Writes regarding conflict 1156581 01.12.18 ee: Rep. Rep. Gowdy former employee of the 18-0259 . SC) and Governmer now an attorney at the] Rep. Thompson 1 1 5 65 8 5 (MS) Write regarding DHS 18-0351 01.23.18 Si related to the defunct Rep. Brady Commission on Electi (PA) Please submit any guidance to ESEC-External?ait?i all are copied on this e-mail. De?nitions of Priority: Urgent: High: Normal: 5 Business Days to Final; Draft due 3 Business Days 10 Business Days to Final; Draft 7 Business Days 15 Business Days to Final; Draft 11 Business Days Is Interim Necessary 1 Business Day. Regards, l??if? Administrative Officer US. Department of Homeland Security Of?ce of the Executive Secretary 0 031(5) Excellent Service ?(Hess Sender: $115) Recipient: DHS-001-HQFO-465-000223 Sent Date: 2018f?l/23 15:30:13 Delivered Date: 2018fD1/23 15:30:19 DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000224 From: White House Press Of?ce To: "Media Inquiry lfbK?) 003(5) I Subject: Executive Order on the Termination of Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity Date: 2018f01f03 19:15:34 Type: Note THE WHITE HOUSE Of?ce of the Press Secretary DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000225 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 3, 2018 EXECUTIVE ORDER TERMINATION OF PRES I DENT IAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON ELECTION INTEGRITY By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1 . Executive Order 1 37 9 9 of May 11, 2017 (Establishment of Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity), is hereby revoked, and the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity is accordingly terminated. Sec . . General Provisions. Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000226 the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party (other than by the United States) against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its of?cers, employees, or agents, or any other person. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, January 3, 20l8. DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000227 Unsubscribe The White House - 1600 Avenue: NW - Washington DC 20500 - 202-455-1111 Sender: White House Press Of?ce Recipient: In?lJirV hairs} Sent Date: 2018f01f03 19:16:23 Delivered Date: ZDIBIUHDB 19:16:34 DHS-OO1-HQFO-465-000228 Question#: 13 Topic: Voter Integrity Commission Hearing: The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request Primary: The Honorable Claire McCaskill Committee: HOMELAND SECURITY (SENATE) Question: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was quoted in The Kansas City Star on May 11, 2017 as saying that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by Executive Order 13799, would have full-time staff from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Homeland Security. Are you aware of any plans to staff the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with DHS employees? If so, what office within DHS will staff the Commission, how many DHS employees will staff the Commission, and what is DHS's anticipated annual budget for the Commission? Res (IDES) DHS-001-HQFO-465-000229 Question#: 13 Topic: Voter Integrity Commission Hearing: The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request Primary: The Honorable Claire McCaskill Committee: HOMELAND SECURITY (SENATE) Question: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was quoted in The Kansas City Star on May 11, 2017 as saying that the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by Executive Order 13799, would have full-time staff from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Homeland Security. Are you aware of any plans to staff the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with DHS employees? If so, what office within DHS will staff the Commission, how many DHS employees will staff the Commission, and what is DHS's anticipated annual budget for the Commission? Non Responsive Record Response: Non Responsive Record DHS-001-HQFO-465-000230 @ungreaa of the ?niteh States Washington. B6 211515 January 23, 2018 The Honorable Kirstjen Nielsen Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security 245 Murray Lane SW Washington, D.C. 20528 US Ele?il??iUZ 33 Dear Secretary Nielsen: We write seeking clari?cation regarding the Department of Homeland Security's (the Department or DHS) responsibilities related to the defunct Presidential Commission on Election Integrity (the Commission). On May I I, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13799, Establishment of Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity to investigate allegations ?improper voter registrations and improper voting, including fraudulent voter registrations and fraudulent voting," substantiated by nothing more than the President's active imagination and frustration that he did not receive the majority of the popular votes cast in the 2016 presidential election. The Commission was the subject of Criticism from the start. Advocacy organizations ultimately took legal action on multiple occasions, alleging violations of several federal laws, including the i?h Amendment to the 1.3.8. Constitution, the Privacy Act, the Hatch Act, and of multiple state laws, among other things.2 On January 3, 2013, fewer than nine months after he established it. the President abruptly terminated the tCommission.3 To the best of our knowledge, the Commission was unable to produce any evidence of improper voter registrations and improper voting, including fraudulent voter registrations and fraudulent voting. Indeed, we understand that, contrary to the Administration?s initial statements, the Commission did not develop any ?preliminary ?ndings" that would be transferred to DHS.4 Moreover, all of the voter data it collected will, rightfully, be destroyed.5 I Exec. Order No. [3799, 32 Fed. Reg. 22389 (May. 16, 2017), available at I See Legal Actions Taken Against Trump?s ?Voter Fraud" Commission, Brennan Canterfor Justice (Dec. 26, 2011?), (last accessed Jan. 10, 2018}. 3 Exec. Order No. l3820, 83 Fed. Reg. 969 (Jan. 3, ZOIB), (amiable at 4 Josh Gerstein, "White House Plans to Destroy Trump Election Fraud Commission?s Voter Data," Politico (Jan. 9, 20 7), available at voter-data-332745. 5 id. PRINIED on etc to PAPER In the meantime, to its credit, the Department of Homeland Security has continued its work to carry out its responsibilities related to the designation of election infrastructure as a critical infrastructure subsector. Then-Secretary Jeh Johnson made the designation on January 6, 2017, following the Intelligence Community's assessment that ?Russian efforts to in?uence the 2016 US presidential election represent the most recent expression of Moscow?s iongstanding desire to undermine the US-led liberal democratic order, but these activities demonstrated a significant escalation in directness, level of activity, and scope of effort compared to previous operations.?l5 Over the course of the past year, nothing has occurred to suggest that Russia has any less interest in undermining con?dence in our democratic processes. Accordingly, helping states secure their election infrastructure against credible foreign threats should remain one of the Department?s top priorities. When be terminated the Commission, the President directed DHS to examine ?its initial ?ndings and determine next courses of action."7 It is unclear how the Department will carry out this charge given that the Commission never produced any ?ndings. Moreover, we are concerned that directing DHS essentially to take over where the Commission left off could distract the Department from its pressing obligation to protect US election systems from foreign interference and may undermine the burgeoning relationships DHS is building with state election of?cials. Public statements from the Department have been somewhat reassuring that DHS will not divert resources from its ongoing election security work, but they are not conclusive.8 Accordingly, pursuant to Rule and Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, we respectfully request you provide a written response to the following information, and whatever supplementary information you deem responsive, by January 26, 2013: I According to the President, the Department will take over the work of the Commission. We understand that all voter data collected will be destroyed and that the Commission never made any ?ndings. If that is the case, what will the Department be taking over? Please identify any documents, ?les, electronic records, or information that the Department has received or anticipates receiving from the Commission. 0 What new activities, if any, will the Department undertake pursuant to the President?s decision to terminate the Commission and transfer its responsibilities to What 5 Of?ce of the Director of National Intelligence, Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US. EiecriOns, ICA 2017-010 (Jan. 6, 20 IT), 2f?? 7 Press Release, The White House, Statement by the Press Secretary on the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity (J an. 3, 2018), availabie at 3 Dustin Vol: 3: Julia Harte, Election Unit Has No Plans for Probing Voter Fraud: Sources,? Renter's (Jan 5, 20] 8), mroiinbfe at I EU I (citing a DHS of?cial who said that the Department would continue ??to work in support of state governments who are responsible for administering elections, with efforts focused on securing elections against those who seek to undermine the election system or its information will inform actions? Will these new activities, if any, require the Department to divert resources from existing activities? 0 Some state election of?cials have expressed concern that charging DHS with investigating voter fraud allegations may undermine the cooperative relationships between the Department and the states that are necessary to keep elections secure."l What are you doing to preserve those important relationships? Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Alison Chief Director for Oversight, at (202) 226-2616. Sincerely, BENNIE G. THOM ROBERT A. BRADY Ranking Member Ranking Member Committee on-Homeland Security Committee on House Administration 9 rd. ESEC External Actions Addressed to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary . Due date greater than 3 days away Due date is within 1?3 days . Today or Past Due Tasked Congressional Correspondence for Signature 12121117 Tasked U411 13 Congressional Correspondence for Signature 0 Tasked 1211211? Congressional Correspondence for 51:62 Signature Tasked Congressional Correspondence for 81182 Signature 121711? 4of41 34 With 12r21n7 NPPD Component 20 With 1141118 NPPD Component 43 With 121111?1? OGC Component 48 Packaged 1110.118 OLA for S1 1f8f18 Hep. Smith (TX) 1119118 Sen. McCaskill (MO) 12127717 Ftep. Gowdy (30} 1212011? Ftep. Thompson (MS) DHS-001-HQFO-465-000234 Writes regarding the --. Department's (?153' November 27, 201 opposition letter to H.R. 1224, the NIST Cyberseourity Framework, Assessment, and Auditing Act 012017. Further, Rep. Smith requests a letter of acknowledgement and withdrawal of the Department's opposition to the bill. 1 155376 17?81?6 Writes regarding (billi?) interaction between DHS and the 155773 8-0068 Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity Writes requesting (hm information on how and when guidance documents are issued by DHS Writes with a series of questions regarding 81?s thoughts on statements made by POTUS. 1 154907 1 ?-8135 1 154748 1? 17-8021 112312018 3:06:07 PM Open Congressional Correspondence Addressed to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary URGENT HIGH ROUTINE . Days in progress is within 1-3 business days . Days in progress is within 1-7 business days . Days in progress is within 1-10 business days Days in progress is within 4 business days Days in progress is within 8-9 business days Days in progress is within 11-14 business days . Days in progress is more than 5 business days . Days in progress is more than 10 business days . Days in progress is more than 15 business days Priority Stop Date Days in Document Locatio Component Final Due Member Total Issue Front Interim Tracking Level Light Received Progress Location As of Date Signatories Office (IQVES Status 49 12119117 es With 12nsr1? NPPD 114118 Flep. Smith 1 Requests status M6) 1155242r . Component updates on the 1?-8225 Departments implementation and compliance with Binding Operational Directive removal of software from federal networks. Also requests that designated DHS employee be ready to brief Committee members ASAP. 50 . 1212111? 24 With 1212111? NPPD 118118 Flep. Smith Writes regarding the (WEE) 11553?Bf Component Department's tit-817's November 27, 2017 opposition letter to 1224, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Assessment, and Auditing Act of 201?. Further, Rep. Smith requests a letter of acknowledgement and withdrawal of the Department's opposition to the bill. 51 . 114113 14 With 114113 NPPD 1119118 Sen. 1 Writes regarding (1:005) No 115571311 Component (MO) interaction between 13?0068 DHS and the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity 11 0117? 112312018 2:58:31 PM DHS-001-HQFO-465-000235