Bill would guarantee lawmakers quick access to federal buildings for oversight
In committeeH.R. 9835Latest action
Sponsor: Donald S. Beyer, Jr. · Representative · VA
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Official title: Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill guarantees members of Congress and staff timely entry to federal buildings, even contractor-run ones, for oversight visits.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The and Agency Access Act would guarantee members of Congress and their staff access to federal buildings for oversight purposes. Members show congressional ID; staff must be accompanied by their lawmaker and show a valid badge. After-hours requests must be granted within 24 hours, public meeting access must be immediate, and the rules extend to contractor-run or locally-agreemented federal buildings.
Who does it affect?
Federal agencies and the buildings they own or contract out would need to comply. Members of Congress and their staff would gain clearer legal authority to access these facilities.
Why does it matter?
The change could make federal agency operations more transparent and speed up identification of oversight issues, though it does not directly affect the general public.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 22, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 22, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.