The Subcommittee on Government Operations, led by Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), has scheduled a hearing to address ongoing challenges with the Department of Defense’s National Background Investigation Services (NBIS). The hearing, titled “An Update on DOD’s Struggling Background Check System,” will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST in the Rayburn House Office Building.
The subcommittee aims to review progress made since its June 2024 session regarding delays in implementing NBIS. These delays have led to increased costs and disruptions in the personnel vetting process, particularly affecting the issuance of security clearances. The panel will also discuss how the absence of permanent leadership at the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA) is influencing efforts to improve NBIS.
“Despite some progress being made to roll out necessary policy changes at DCSA, delayed NBIS implementation has stalled further progress and prevented important personnel vetting issues from being addressed. Former DCSA Director David Cattler retired from government service last September and the agency has been without permanent leadership since, despite ongoing problems preventing a fully functioning security clearance IT system that was promised to the American people long ago. It’s a critical time for Congress to assess what progress has been made, examine ongoing shortcomings causing the delays, discuss the qualities needed to lead DCSA, and identify the best path forward to deliver what was promised nine years ago. 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.
Witnesses scheduled for testimony include Justin Overbaugh, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security as well as Acting Director of DCSA; and Alissa Czyz, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
The hearing is open to members of the public and will be available via livestream.
