Of inquiry requesting the President transmit certain documents in his possession to the House of Representatives relating to the security clearances held by Elon Musk, members of the United States Department of Government Efficiency Service, and any other individual considered to be a member of the DOGE team.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 264
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-30: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-03T15:51:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 264) aims to request information from the President to enhance congressional oversight of security clearances and background checks for individuals involved in the United States Department of Government Efficiency Service (DOGE), a proposed entity focused on improving government operations. It seeks transparency regarding the vetting processes for key figures associated with DOGE.
Key Provisions
- Request for Documents: The resolution directs the President to provide, within 14 days of its adoption, all relevant documents and communications in his possession concerning the vetting, background investigations, and security clearances (official permissions to access classified information) of individuals working with DOGE in official or unofficial capacities.
- Scope of Coverage: Includes Elon Musk and six other named individuals (Akash Bobba, Edward Coristine, Ethan Shaotran, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, and Gavin Kliger), as well as any other members of the DOGE team or related agencies.
- Format Requirements: Documents must be submitted to the House of Representatives in complete and unredacted form (without any parts blacked out or censored).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not amend or create new laws; it is a non-binding request for information under Congress's oversight authority. It relies on established congressional powers to inquire into executive branch activities but introduces no statutory changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May increase scrutiny on the executive branch's handling of security clearances for advisory or efficiency-focused roles, potentially slowing or complicating DOGE's formation and operations if sensitive information is disclosed.
- On Citizens: Could promote greater public accountability in government efficiency initiatives, though it has limited direct effects on everyday citizens unless DOGE's work influences federal programs or spending.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but revelations about security clearances could indirectly affect U.S. tech and innovation partnerships involving figures like Elon Musk, who has global business interests.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congressional Members and Committees: Sponsors (primarily Democrats from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee) and the full House, which gains access to oversight information.
- Executive Branch: The President and agencies responsible for security clearances (e.g., Office of Personnel Management or intelligence community), who must respond to the request.
- DOGE Team Members: Elon Musk and the named individuals, whose personal and professional vetting records could be exposed, potentially affecting their roles in government advisory capacities.
- Broader Government Efficiency Efforts: The proposed DOGE entity, which might face delays or public debate over its personnel's qualifications.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes Congress's constitutional power (under Article I) to conduct inquiries, but the President could decline based on executive privilege (a doctrine protecting sensitive communications). Non-compliance might lead to further congressional actions like subpoenas.
- Constitutional: Highlights tensions in the separation of powers between Congress (legislative oversight) and the executive branch (personnel and security decisions).
- Political: As a partisan-sponsored resolution (introduced by Democratic members), it could fuel debates over government transparency, conflicts of interest in advisory roles, and the legitimacy of informal "teams" like DOGE, especially given Elon Musk's prominent public profile and business ties to federal contracts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (20)
Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-30: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-03-27: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-27: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Of inquiry requesting the President transmit certain documents in his possession to the House of Representatives relating to the security clearances held by Elon Musk, members of the United States Department of Government Efficiency Service, and any other individual considered to be a member of the DOGE team. — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)