HR 4337
Congressional Oversight Access Act
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to protect Members of Congress when they are conducting oversight activities. It prohibits executive branch personnel from using physical force, detaining, or interfering with a Member of Congress who is legitimately conducting oversight, presenting identification, and is on federal property, unless there is an immediate threat to safety. The bill clarifies that security procedures and responses to genuine threats are not affected. It ensures Members of Congress have access to information and oversight capabilities.
Key provisions
- Prohibits executive branch personnel from using physical force against Members of Congress during oversight activities.
- Defines ‘covered oversight activity’ as reviewing laws, programs, and operations.
- Specifies that Members of Congress must present identification or identify themselves.
- Clarifies that the bill does not prevent security screenings or responses to immediate threats.
- Defines ‘federally controlled property’ as real property owned or operated by the federal government.
Who is affected
- Members of Congress
- Executive Branch Personnel
- Federal Government Agencies
Notable changes
- Establishes a clear prohibition on the use of physical force during congressional oversight.
- Expands the definition of ‘covered oversight activity’ to encompass a broader range of investigative actions.
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 4337
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To prohibit the use of physical force by executive branch personnel against Members of Congress conducting oversight in their official capacity, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Congressional Oversight Access Act
.
No officer, agent, contractor, or employee of the executive branch may use physical force, detain, remove, or otherwise physically interfere with a Member of Congress who—
is conducting a covered oversight activity;
presents valid congressional identification or identifies themselves as a Member of Congress;
is present in or on the premises of any federally controlled property; and
does not pose a clear and imminent physical threat to persons or property.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to—
exempt a Member of Congress from lawful security screening or building access procedures; or
prevent action in response to a clear and imminent physical threat to persons or property.
The term federally controlled property means any building, land, or other real property owned, leased, operated, occupied, or used under contract, cooperative agreement, or intergovernmental service agreement by the Federal Government or any executive branch agency (including detention centers and field-control sites).