Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6028
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-06-09: Received in the Senate.
Last Updated: 2026-06-19T14:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act (H.R. 6028)

Purpose of the Legislation

This Act updates the appointment and removal processes for key officers in legislative branch agencies. It aims to clarify roles and increase congressional involvement in selections for positions such as the Librarian of Congress, the Director of the Government Publishing Office, and the Register of Copyrights, while also adjusting oversight of the Copyright Office.

Key Provisions Outlined

Librarian of Congress Changes: Establishes a congressional commission (made up of oversight committee leaders and House/Senate leadership) to appoint the Librarian based on merit, without regard to political ties. Removal requires a majority vote of House and Senate leaders. Creates a Deputy Librarian position with similar appointment rules and acting authority provisions.
Government Publishing Office (GPO) Changes: Shifts appointment of the GPO Director to the same congressional commission process. Adds a Deputy Director role with parallel appointment and acting rules. Applies the Congressional Accountability Act to GPO for employment protections.
Copyright Office Adjustments: Removes the Library of Congress's supervisory role over the Copyright Office. The Register of Copyrights remains a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate but requires joint recommendations from specific House and Senate committee leaders. Creates an independent Inspector General within the Copyright Office. Sets a 10-year term for the Register with possible 5-year reappointments. Allows support agreements with other legislative branch entities.
Other Reforms: Updates GPO's human capital management system to follow merit principles. Revises government printing rules to allow GPO services for various branches. Includes transition rules, ratification of prior actions, and severability to handle any invalid provisions.
Pay and Classification Updates: Ensures certain positions are not treated as political appointments for pay purposes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

Replaces prior presidential appointment with Senate consent for the Librarian of Congress and GPO Director with a new commission-based process led by congressional leaders.
Separates the Copyright Office from direct Library of Congress control, shifting some decision-making authority to the Register of Copyrights.
Introduces formal Deputy roles and acting officer procedures for continuity in leadership vacancies.
Extends employment accountability rules to GPO and establishes a dedicated Inspector General for the Copyright Office.
Modifies multiple sections of titles 17, 44, and related laws to reflect these structural shifts.

Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations

Government Agencies: The Library of Congress, Copyright Office, and GPO may experience shifts in leadership selection and operational independence, potentially affecting internal management and coordination.
Citizens: Changes could influence how copyright matters, public records, and government publications are handled, with possible effects on access and services.
International Relations: No direct provisions address foreign policy or relations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congressional leaders, including the Speaker of the House, Senate majority and minority leaders, and chairs/ranking members of relevant committees (House Administration, Senate Rules and Administration, Judiciary committees).
Current and future holders of the Librarian of Congress, GPO Director, Register of Copyrights, and their deputies.
Employees of the Library of Congress, Copyright Office, and GPO.
Users of copyright services, government publications, and related legislative resources.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The new appointment processes emphasize bipartisan congressional input over traditional executive branch roles, which may raise questions about the balance of appointment powers.
Provisions for acting officers and removals aim to ensure operational stability but could affect tenure and independence of these positions.
Transition rules and ratification of past actions seek to minimize disruptions during implementation through September 2029.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]

Recent Actions

2026-06-09: Received in the Senate.
2026-06-08: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-06-08: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3938-3942)
2026-06-08: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3938-3942)
2026-06-08: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6028.
2026-06-08: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3938-3943)
2026-06-08: Mr. Griffith moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-06-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-689, Part I.
2026-06-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-689, Part I.
2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 11 - 0.
2026-05-14: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-11-12: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-12: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-12: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (54 pages)
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act — issued 2025-11-12 — PDF (37 pages)