Of inquiry requesting the President to transmit certain documents relating to the dangerous, unaccountable use of AI by the United States DOGE Service to jeopardize the private information and essential services of the American people.

Bill Number: H.Res. 286
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: 2025-06-03T15:52:09Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 286) aims to request information from the President about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the United States DOGE Service (likely referring to a government efficiency initiative associated with Elon Musk). It focuses on potential risks to Americans' private information and essential services, seeking transparency on AI deployment, data handling, and decision-making since January 20, 2025.

Key Provisions

The resolution requests the President to provide, within 14 days of adoption, complete and unredacted copies of all relevant documents, records, reports, memos, correspondence, or communications in their possession. These must cover 10 specific areas:

AI Technology Deployment: Details on any new AI tools used at federal agencies, directed by Elon Musk or DOGE associates, including privacy notices (System of Records Notice), impact assessments (Privacy Impact Assessment), and operational approvals (Authorization to Operate).
Federal Data Sources: Information on data fed into AI systems, including whether it includes sensitive personal details of U.S. citizens.
Individuals Involved: Names and roles of people in policy and technical decisions on feeding sensitive data to AI, including plans to cut payments to Americans or programs, and handling of government contract data with attention to Elon Musk's potential conflicts of interest.
Privacy Act Concerns: Reports from federal workers about violations of the Privacy Act (a law protecting personal data held by the government) related to the Trump Administration's actions.
AI Transparency Violations: Concerns from federal workers that the administration failed to disclose AI uses publicly, as required by the Advancing American AI Act (a law promoting accountable AI development).
AI-Identified Cuts: Lists of federal spending, programs, or staff targeted by AI for reductions or freezes.
Analyses of Cuts: Reviews of AI recommendations for cuts, including decisions on which to implement.
Communications on Legality and Harm: Discussions about the legal validity of cuts, their potential harm to Americans, and whether DOGE employees consider these factors.
Data Access Personnel: Details on who managed or accessed federal data for AI, including their employment status, hiring authority, and security clearance processes.
IT Access Records: Logs, code, certificates, and configurations for federal IT systems (like databases) accessed by DOGE employees for AI training or deployment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend or create new laws. It is a congressional tool (a "resolution of inquiry") to compel the executive branch to share information, exercising Congress's oversight authority without directly altering statutes like the Privacy Act or the Advancing American AI Act.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Could increase scrutiny and accountability for AI use in federal operations, potentially slowing or altering AI-driven decisions on budgets and programs.
On Citizens: May enhance protection of personal data by exposing risks from AI handling sensitive information, but could delay essential services if cuts are under review.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though revelations about U.S. AI practices and conflicts of interest (e.g., involving private figures like Elon Musk) might affect global perceptions of U.S. government transparency and tech policy.
Overall, it promotes oversight but depends on the President's compliance; non-response could lead to further congressional actions like subpoenas.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congress (House of Representatives): Initiators (led by Rep. Stansbury and others) and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which reviews the request.
Executive Branch: The President, Trump Administration officials, federal agencies using AI, and DOGE Service personnel.
Private Individuals: Elon Musk and his associates, due to mentions of conflicts of interest and data access.
Federal Workers: Those raising concerns about privacy and legality, potentially protected or exposed by disclosures.
American Citizens: Impacted by AI-influenced cuts to payments, programs, and services, with privacy risks from data use.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Invokes Congress's power to investigate executive actions, potentially highlighting violations of privacy laws (e.g., Privacy Act requires safeguards for personal data) or AI disclosure rules. Non-compliance could prompt court challenges over executive privilege (the President's right to withhold certain information).
Constitutional: Reinforces separation of powers by asserting legislative oversight of the executive branch, a core check-and-balance mechanism under the U.S. Constitution.
Political: Signals partisan tensions, as it targets the Trump Administration and DOGE (a proposed efficiency body), possibly fueling debates on AI ethics, government efficiency, and private sector influence in public policy. It could build public awareness but risks escalating inter-branch conflicts if documents reveal sensitive operations.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

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. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], 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
2025-04-01: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
2025-04-01: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1386)
2025-04-01: Submitted in House
2025-04-01: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Of inquiry requesting the President to transmit certain documents relating to the dangerous, unaccountable use of AI by the United States DOGE Service to jeopardize the private information and essential services of the American people. — issued 2025-04-01 — PDF (4 pages)