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