Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act
Plain Language Summary
# Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act (HR 6028) - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would change how three top officials in Congress's support agencies are selected and removed: the Librarian of Congress, the Director of the Government Publishing Office (GPO), and the Register of Copyrights. Instead of the President appointing these positions (as happens now), a bipartisan congressional commission would choose them. The bill also makes it harder to remove these officials—requiring a majority vote from both Republican and Democratic leaders in both chambers of Congress.
Additionally, the bill would make the Copyright Office independent rather than supervised by the Library of Congress. **Who it affects:** This primarily affects Congress itself and the three agencies involved. It could indirectly impact the public who use these services, including copyright holders, library patrons, and people who access government publications through the GPO. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (not yet voted on by the full House). It was introduced by Representative Morgan Griffith, a Republican from Virginia.
CRS Official Summary
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification ActThis bill revises the procedures for appointing and removing the Librarian of Congress, the Director of the Government Publishing Office (GPO), and the Register of Copyrights.Specifically, the bill requires the Librarian and the Director of GPO to be appointed by a bipartisan congressional commission, based on procedures outlined by the bill and without regard to political affiliation. (Currently, these positions are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.) The Librarian and the Director of GPO may only be removed from office by a majority vote of the majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.Additionally, the bill requires the Librarian and the Director of GPO to each appoint a deputy within a set time frame and outlines related procedures.The bill removes the Library of Congress's (LOC's) supervisory authority over the Copyright Office. LOC and other legislative agencies may provide support services to the Copyright Office.The bill requires the Register of Copyrights to be (1) a U.S. citizen with a background and experience in copyright law, and (2) appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. (Currently, the Register is appointed by the Librarian.) The bill limits the term of office for the Register to 10 years, but the individual may be reappointed.The bill also requires GPO to establish and maintain a human capital management system and outlines the requirements for the system.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.