This bill repeals the authority for a Senator to bring a civil action against the federal government if an internet service provider or the Senate Sergeant at Arms (SAA) accessed or disclosed, or accesses or discloses, data from the Senator's office to provide to a federal agency without following prescribed notice requirements. The authority applies to a qualifying instance occurring on or after January 1, 2022.
The authority for the civil action was enacted in H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, which was signed by the President on November 12, 2026. The relevant provision requires written notice from the internet service provider or the SAA to the Senate office upon receipt of any legal process seeking access or disclosure of covered data. A Senator affected by a federal violation of the provision may sue the federal government for the greater of $500,000 per violation or the actual damages, plus attorney's fees and related costs.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6019 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6019
To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices
regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 12, 2025
Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Rose, Mrs.
Houchin, Ms. Foxx, Mr. Roy, Ms. Boebert, Mrs. Fischbach, Mrs. Bice, Mr.
Crank, Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Perry, and Mr. Evans of Colorado) introduced
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House
Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices
regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. REPEAL OF SENATE NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO LEGAL
PROCESS ON DISCLOSURES OF SENATE DATA.
Section 213 of title II of division C of the Continuing
Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, and the amendments made
by such section, are hereby repealed and shall have no force or effect.
<all>
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4597)
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Mr. Steil moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4790-4794)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6019.
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.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4808)
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 (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)
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Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate.