The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence passed the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) on June 22 which would prevent government intelligence agencies (such as Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency and more) from discriminating against job applicants because of past use of cannabis.
Senator Ron Wyden is a senior member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which also passed protections for whistleblowers and strengthened cyber security efforts. “This bipartisan legislation makes meaningful strides to improve treatment of whistleblowers and ensuring Congress can perform real oversight of intelligence agencies,” Wyden said in a press statement. “I applaud the committee for including my provisions, in particular an amendment ensuring that past cannabis use will not disqualify intelligence community applicants from serving their country. It’s a common-sense change to ensure the IC [Intelligence Committee] can recruit the most capable people possible.”
The press release describes the exact provision in relation to cannabis. “Prohibiting denial of a security clearance to IC personnel based solely on past use of cannabis. Senator Wyden will continue to fight to ensure that ongoing cannabis use is not the basis for denying or losing a clearance,” the release states.
Wyden shared on Twitter that Senator Martin Heinrich and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand were strong supporters of the amendment. “Big thanks to @MartinHeinrich and @SenGillibrand for their support of this common-sense provision, which will ensure the intelligence community can continue to recruit the most capable people possible.”
The entire committee of 16 individuals unanimously voted in approval of the amendment, however, it will require continued support from the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as a signature from President Joe Biden, before it can officially become law.