Sen. Warner Introduces DNII Act to Limit Who Can Serve as Acting Intelligence Director
The DNII Act of 2026 has been introduced in the Senate and is currently waiting on the legislative calendar for further action. It is in the early stages of the lawmaking process and is considered active. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
The bill has support from intelligence leadership in the Senate, but it may face opposition from the executive branch because it limits who the President can appoint.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Senior officials within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the broader intelligence community would be directly affected by this new succession framework. Senate-confirmed leaders in these agencies gain a clearer path to serving as acting DNI, while non-confirmed political appointees are effectively blocked from the role. This reinforces the role of career and Senate-vetted intelligence professionals in leading the community during transitions.
“the President shall direct to perform the functions and duties of the Director of National Intelligence temporarily in an acting capacity an individual who-- (1) serves in an office within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for which appointment is required to be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate”
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 450.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
DNII Act of 2026
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