H.R. 9835: Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act

This bill would give members of Congress, and in some cases their staff, broader access to federal buildings during regular business hours and in certain other situations.

What access would be granted

• Each member of Congress would be allowed to enter any “public building” during normal business hours.
• “Public building” is defined broadly and would include not only standard federal buildings, but also some contractor-operated facilities, facilities used through agreements with local governments, and facilities operated under contract with a federal entity.
• Members would need to show congressional identification.

Staff access

• Congressional staff members would also be allowed access, but only if they are full-time House or Senate staff.
• Staff would have to be accompanied by the member of Congress who employs them.
• Staff would also need to present a valid congressional staff ID badge.

Access outside normal hours

• If a member of Congress or eligible staff member requests access outside regular business hours, the building would have to provide access within 24 hours.
• If the request is made during a public meeting in the building, access would have to be immediate.

Emergency situations

• During a declared national emergency or a public health emergency, the bill says the usual restrictions placed on the public would not apply to members of Congress or covered staff.

Security-cleared areas

• For parts of a building that require security clearance, access would have to be provided within 24 hours after a request.
• If the member, or their staff, serves on a congressional committee with jurisdiction over the agency involved, access must be granted.
• If they are not on that committee, access could still be granted if the committee chair or ranking member consents.

Limits on changing the building

• If access is requested, the bill would prohibit temporary changes to the building that would alter what the member or staff member can observe.

Relevant Companies

• None found