To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes.
To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes.
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of HR 6019 **What the Bill Does** HR 6019 removes a legal protection that currently allows U.S. Senators to sue the federal government if their office data is improperly accessed or shared without proper notice. Specifically, it repeals a rule requiring internet service providers and the Senate Sergeant at Arms to notify a Senator's office in writing before turning over their data to federal agencies. If a Senator's office data is disclosed in violation of this notice requirement, the bill eliminates their ability to file a lawsuit and potentially recover damages (up to $500,000 or more per violation). **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects U.S. Senators and their offices.
The underlying rule being repealed was only recently enacted in November 2026 and applies to data access requests from January 1, 2022 onward. By passing this bill, Congress would remove Senators' legal recourse if federal agencies access their office data without following proper notification procedures. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is sponsored by Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA). The bill essentially reverses a privacy protection that was just put in place, though the stated reason for the repeal is not detailed in the summary provided.
CRS Official 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.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.