To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6019
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: Received in the Senate.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T14:25:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, H.R. 6019, aims to eliminate specific requirements for notifying Senate offices about legal actions (such as subpoenas or court orders) that involve disclosing data from the U.S. Senate. It seeks to simplify procedures related to the handling of Senate information in legal contexts.
Key Provisions
- Repeal of Specific Section: The bill repeals Section 213 of title II of division C from the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, along with any amendments made by that section.
- Effective Immediately: The repealed provisions are declared to have no legal force or effect upon enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removes mandatory notification rules that previously required informing certain Senate offices when legal processes (e.g., court orders) sought access to or disclosure of Senate-related data.
- This reverses a recent addition to federal law, potentially reducing administrative steps that were introduced in the 2026 appropriations act to protect Senate data privacy or oversight.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Senate offices and related federal entities (e.g., those handling legal compliance) may face fewer procedural hurdles when responding to legal requests for data, potentially speeding up processes but reducing internal safeguards.
- On Citizens: Limited direct impact, as this primarily affects internal government operations; however, it could indirectly influence public access to Senate data through legal channels, such as investigations or lawsuits.
- On International Relations: No apparent direct effects, as the bill focuses on domestic Senate procedures.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Senate Offices and Staff: Primary beneficiaries or those most impacted, as they no longer need to be notified in legal data disclosure scenarios, which could streamline their workflows.
- Federal Law Enforcement and Courts: Entities issuing legal processes (e.g., subpoenas) may experience less bureaucratic delay when involving Senate data.
- Congressional Oversight Bodies: Groups monitoring Senate operations could see changes in transparency protocols for data handling.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: By repealing notification requirements, the bill may alter how Senate data is protected under federal law, potentially raising questions about data privacy without explicit oversight mechanisms. (Legal process here refers to formal court or government actions compelling information disclosure.)
- Constitutional Implications: Could intersect with separation of powers principles, as it affects the Senate's internal autonomy in managing its records, though it does not directly challenge constitutional authority.
- Political Implications: As a targeted repeal passed by the House in late 2025, it reflects congressional efforts to adjust recent appropriations measures, possibly in response to perceived overreach in legislative branch protections; it may spark debate on balancing efficiency with accountability in government data handling.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (39)
Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: Received in the Senate.
- 2025-11-19: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-11-19: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 426 - 0 (Roll no. 301). (text: CR H4790) (Roll call 301)
- 2025-11-19: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 426 - 0 (Roll no. 301). (text: CR H4790) (Roll call 301)
- 2025-11-19: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4808)
- 2025-11-19: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2025-11-19: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6019.
- 2025-11-19: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4790-4794)
- 2025-11-19: Mr. Steil moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-11-12: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2025-11-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-12: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4597)
- 2025-11-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- An Act To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (4 pages)
- To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-11-12 — PDF (2 pages)