Comment Submitted by Kelley

I am writing to comment on the proposed rule stating that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wants to exempt portions of the system of records from the Privacy Act. The main reason for wanting to exempt records is for the protection of information from being disclosed to the subjects or others related to DHS activities. They want to avoid disclosure of activity techniques, protect the identities, safety, and privacy of individuals, safeguard classified information, and safeguard records containing information about protecting the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to Section 3056 and 3056A of Title 18. Because the Department of Homeland Security or more specifically, the Secret Service provides protection to people such as the President, their immediate family, the Vice President and their immediate family, Presidential candidates, and foreign leaders, the protection of records pertaining to them is extremely important. If that information got into the wrong hands then it could be disastrous and an assassination could occur. Keeping this information confidential is crucial so that DHS can do their jobs. The records kept by DHS also include information that relates to national security, law enforcement, immigration, and intelligence activities. Much like keeping the information about the President confidential, this information also needs to be exempt from the Privacy Act. If this information were to get into the hands of someone with the wrong intentions, havoc could occur in the form of a terrorist attack or something worse. Another aspect discussed is information pertaining to an investigation on an individual. It is proposed that this information also be exempt from the Privacy Act. Disclosing information on an investigation could make the subject aware of this investigation and could even permit the subject to avoid detection or apprehension. By keeping this information private, the investigation can be conducted prof