Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act

Sponsor: Donald S. Beyer (Democratic-VA)July 22, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Lets Members of Congress and staff get guaranteed access to federal buildings for oversight.

This bill would let Members of Congress and their staff get guaranteed access to federal buildings. This includes facilities run by contractors, even during emergencies or outside normal business hours. The goal is to make sure Congress can properly oversee how the government is working.

What Would Change

Today, there isn't a clear, sure right for all Members of Congress and their staff to enter all public federal buildings. This is especially true for those run by contractors or during emergencies. Access often changes based on different agency rules. After this bill, Members and their staff would have an official right to enter any public federal building, including places run by contractors. This access would be allowed during normal work hours, with 24-hour notice for off-hours, right away during public meetings, and even during emergencies.

Key Provisions

Lets Members of Congress and their staff enter any public federal building during regular business hours.
Requires Members of Congress to show congressional identification to gain access.
Requires congressional staff to be with their employing Member and show staff ID to gain access.
Lets Members and staff get into public buildings outside regular hours with 24 hours' notice.
Grants immediate access to Members and staff during public meetings held in federal buildings.
Allows Members and staff to enter federal buildings during emergencies, even if public access is restricted.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9835 · 119th Congress · July 22, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity