Summary
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.
Legislative Journey
Received in the Senate.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn 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)
HousePassed/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)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4808)
HouseAt 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.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6019.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4790-4794)
HouseMr. Steil moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
HouseReferred to the House Committee on House Administration.
HouseIntroduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4597)
Introduced in House