Bill would limit government access to Congress members' records
Placed on the calendarH.R. 9098Latest action
Sponsor: Mike Kelly · Representative · PA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Congressional Records Protection Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill restricts government agencies from obtaining congressional records unless a judge certifies probable cause of a crime.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill blocks federal, state, and local agencies from using warrants, subpoenas, or court orders to obtain records, communications, or devices belonging to members of Congress or staff, whether sought directly or through a third party like a phone or email provider. If a member or staffer is the target of a criminal investigation, agencies can still seek records, but only after a judge certifies probable cause, and a special master must filter out constitutionally protected material before investigators receive anything.
Who does it affect?
This affects federal, state, and local law enforcement and other government investigative agencies, as well as current and former members of Congress and their staff.
Why does it matter?
The change adds judicial certification, notification, and special-master review requirements before investigators can access congressional records, which could slow some criminal investigations involving Congress members or staff.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported in House” text of Sep 8, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 2, 2026
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Sep 8, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 704.