The Subcommittee on Government Operations, led by Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), has scheduled a hearing to examine the progress and ongoing challenges facing the Department of Defense’s National Background Investigation Services (NBIS). The hearing, titled “A One Year Update on DoD’s Struggling Background Check System,” will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EST in HVC-210 at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
Delays in implementing NBIS have resulted in increased costs and affected the personnel vetting process, particularly in issuing security clearances. The subcommittee will review what has been accomplished over the past year and consider further actions Congress might take to address persistent issues.
“Despite some progress being made to roll out necessary policy changes in the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) during the past year, delayed NBIS implementation has stalled further progress and prevented important personnel vetting issues from being addressed. As DCSA Director David Cattler prepares to retire after committing to major agency improvements in 2024, now is a critical time for Congress to assess what achievements have been accomplished, examine persistent shortcomings, discuss the qualities needed to lead DCSA, and identify the best path forward for the agency. I look forward to hearing from witnesses and evaluating these changes to ensure that the personnel vetting system remains effective, secure, and capable of meeting demands,” said Subcommittee Chairman Sessions.
Testimony will be provided by David Cattler, Director of DCSA at the Department of Defense, and Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The session is open to the public and will be livestreamed.
James Comer is currently serving in Congress as representative for Kentucky’s 1st district since replacing Ed Whitfield in 2016. He previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. Comer was born in Carthage, Tennessee in 1972 and lives in Tompkinsville. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a BS degree in 1993.
