The Chief Human Capital Officer shall report to the
Secretary, or to another official of the Department, as the
Secretary may direct and shall ensure that all employees of the
Department are informed of their rights and remedies under
chapters 12 and 23 of title 5, United States Code, by--
(1) participating in the 2302(c) Certification
Program of the Office of Special Counsel;
(2) achieving certification from the Office of
Special Counsel of the Department's compliance with
section 2302(c) of title 5, United States Code; and
(3) informing Congress of such certification not
later than 24 months after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 705. [6 U.S.C. 345] ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICER FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND
CIVIL LIBERTIES.
(a) In General.--The Officer for Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties, who shall report directly to the Secretary, shall--
(1) review and assess information concerning abuses
of civil rights, civil liberties, and profiling on the
basis of race, ethnicity, or religion, by employees and
officials of the Department;
(2) make public through the Internet, radio,
television, or newspaper advertisements information on
the responsibilities and functions of, and how to
contact, the Officer;
(3) assist the Secretary, directorates, and offices
of the Department to develop, implement, and
periodically review Department policies and procedures
to ensure that the protection of civil rights and civil
liberties is appropriately incorporated into Department
programs and activities;
(4) oversee compliance with constitutional,
statutory, regulatory, policy, and other requirements
relating to the civil rights and civil liberties of
individuals affected by the programs and activities of
the Department;
(5) coordinate with the Privacy Officer to ensure
that--
(A) programs, policies, and procedures
involving civil rights, civil liberties, and
privacy considerations are addressed in an
integrated and comprehensive manner; and
(B) Congress receives appropriate reports
regarding such programs, policies, and
procedures; and
(6) investigate complaints and information
indicating possible abuses of civil rights or civil
liberties, unless the Inspector General of the
Department determines that any such complaint or
information should be investigated by the Inspector
General.
(b) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the
President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the appropriate committees and
subcommittees of Congress on an annual basis a report
on the implementation of this section, including the
use of funds appropriated to carry out this section,
and detailing any allegations of abuses described under
subsection (a)(1) and any actions taken by the
Department in response to such allegations.