January 6th Oral History Project Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6952

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Last Updated

2026-01-22T16:00:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to preserve the personal stories and documentary evidence of the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by creating an official oral history program. This program will collect and make publicly available video, audio, and written materials from those directly involved or impacted, ensuring these accounts are preserved for future generations through the Library of Congress.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of Oral History Program: The Director of the American Folklife Center (part of the Library of Congress) must create a program to gather video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials from individuals present at or affected by the January 6, 2021, events. This includes Members of Congress, congressional staff, Capitol Police officers, other law enforcement, journalists, and witnesses.
• Public Access and Cataloging: The collected recordings will be organized into a catalog and index, made available to the public via the Library of Congress's National Digital Library and other suitable methods, depending on resources.
• Collection of Written Materials: The program will also solicit and catalog written documents related to the events, such as notes, text messages, emails, social media posts, photographs, and other records, to complement the oral histories.
• Partnerships and Guidelines: The Director can partner with government or private entities to conduct collections and consult with interested parties to develop rules for acquiring and sharing materials.
• Timing and Priorities: Collections should begin as soon as possible after the bill's enactment, prioritizing accounts from individuals whose stories might be lost over time or are crucial for a complete understanding of the events.
• Funding Mechanisms:
• Allows the Librarian of Congress to accept donations and in-kind contributions (non-cash support like equipment or services) specifically for the program.
• Creates a dedicated gift account in the U.S. Treasury for these donations, ensuring funds are used only for this purpose.
• Authorizes $500,000 in federal funding for fiscal year 2027, plus additional amounts as needed in later years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new, targeted oral history initiative focused on the January 6, 2021, events, which does not previously exist under current law. It expands the mandate of the American Folklife Center by requiring this specific program and provides dedicated funding streams (donations and appropriations) not previously allocated for this purpose. No existing programs are altered or repealed; instead, it builds on the Center's general role in preserving cultural and historical records.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Library of Congress and American Folklife Center will gain new responsibilities for collecting, cataloging, and disseminating materials, potentially requiring additional staff or resources. This could enhance the agency's role in historical preservation but may strain budgets if donations fall short.
• On Citizens: Provides public access to firsthand accounts, promoting education, research, and public understanding of a significant national event. Affected individuals may benefit from having their stories officially recorded and preserved.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the program's public outputs could influence global perceptions of U.S. democratic processes by documenting a key moment in recent history.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Library of Congress and American Folklife Center: Directly responsible for implementing and managing the program.
• Individuals Impacted by January 6, 2021: Including lawmakers, staff, law enforcement, journalists, and witnesses, who can contribute testimonials and materials.
• General Public and Researchers: As primary users of the accessible digital collection for educational, historical, or journalistic purposes.
• Donors and Partners: Private entities or individuals providing financial or collaborative support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill ensures collections respect privacy and resource limits through guidelines developed by the Director, but it does not specify protections for sensitive information (e.g., ongoing legal cases related to January 6). Donations must be earmarked strictly for this program, preventing misuse of funds under federal accounting rules.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with the First Amendment by facilitating free expression through personal testimonials, without imposing restrictions on speech. It supports Congress's enumerated power to preserve national records under Article I.
• Political Implications: As a bipartisan effort (introduced by Democratic representatives), it focuses on factual preservation rather than judgment, but the topic's sensitivity could spark debates over narrative framing or access to materials in a politically divided context. No provisions favor any political viewpoint, emphasizing neutrality in collections.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
• 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
• 2026-01-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• January 6th Oral History Project Act — issued 2026-01-06 — PDF (5 pages)