Summary of HRES 500

Bill Number: HRES 500

Title: Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require employees of the House to be subject to criminal background checks conducted by the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: June 11, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Primary Sponsor: Kat Cammack

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HRES 500 is to enhance security within the House of Representatives by instituting mandatory criminal background checks for all employees. This measure aims to ensure that individuals working within the House are subject to scrutiny by the United States Capitol Police, thereby promoting a safer legislative environment.

Key Provisions

The resolution proposes the following amendments to Rule XXV of the Rules of the House of Representatives:

1. Mandatory Background Checks:

   • All employees of the House must undergo a criminal background check conducted by the United States Capitol Police.
   • For employees already in service on the first day of a Congress, the background check must be completed within 30 days.
   • For new employees starting after the first day of Congress, the check must be completed within 30 days of their start date.

2. Confidentiality of Results:

   • The results of these background checks will be confidential and disclosed only to the head of the office where the employee is employed.

3. Implementation Agreements:

   • The Chief Administrative Officer of the House is tasked with entering into necessary agreements with the United States Capitol Police to facilitate the execution of these background checks.

4. Applicability:

   • The provisions of this amendment will apply to the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress and all subsequent Congresses.

Impact

• Who is Affected:

  • All employees of the House of Representatives, including current staff and future hires, will be subject to these background checks.

• Security Enhancement:

  • This bill is expected to bolster the security protocols within the House, potentially reducing risks associated with unauthorized or harmful individuals gaining access to legislative operations.

Legislative Timeline

• June 11, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Rules on the same day.

Conclusion

HRES 500 represents a significant step towards improving the safety and security of the legislative process by ensuring that all employees of the House of Representatives undergo thorough background checks. By implementing these measures, the House aims to foster a secure working environment for its members and staff.