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Presidential Transitions: Security Clearance Background Investigations (CRS Report for Congress)

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Release Date Dec. 3, 2024
Report Number IF12836
Report Type In Focus
Authors Michelle D. Christensen
Source Agency Congressional Research Service
Summary:

The security clearance process is designed to determine the trustworthiness of an individual prior to granting him or her access to classified national security information. Only federal entities may issue security clearances—and generally only upon a favorable determination following completion of a background investigation. To facilitate the presidential transition and minimize gaps in national security personnel, expedited security clearance processes are available before and after each presidential election. Before the election, eligible presidential candidates may initiate clearances for prospective transition team members whose duties will require access to classified information. Post-election, an apparent successful presidential candidate may initiate expedited background investigations for proposed nominees for high-level Cabinet positions. This helps to ensure that these individuals have the appropriate clearances to perform their duties as soon as practicable. This In Focus covers the expedited security clearance processes that are available to presidential candidates prior to inauguration, both pre- and post-election, and provides answers to frequently asked questions. For further discussion of the security clearance process, see CRS Report R43216, Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.