H.R. 9098, the Congressional Records Protection Act, advanced out of committee on July 15, 2026.
H.R. 9098 — Congressional Records Protection Act
What it does
This bill creates a new federal law that blocks government agencies from obtaining records of Members of Congress and congressional employees through search warrants, subpoenas, or court orders—unless the Member or employee themselves is the target of a criminal investigation. Even when records are obtained, the government must notify the Member or employee within 30 days and cannot review the materials for 30 days after notification. The bill effectively shields congressional communications and work product from routine law enforcement access, even when investigating third parties.
Quorum's transparency scan gave Congressional Records Protection Act a high transparency warning.
What happens next
H.R. 9098 advanced out of committee. Next stop: a floor vote.
Who is behind it
Filed by Mike Kelly. Cosponsored by Harriet Hageman, Jim Jordan, Lance Gooden and Robert Onder.