Summary of HRES 259

Bill Information

• Bill Number: HRES 259
• Title: Of inquiry requesting the President to provide certain documents in the President's possession to the House of Representatives relating to the access provided to the staff and advisers of, including any individual working for or in conjunction with, the Department of Government Efficiency to the systems, applications, and accounts, and any information contained therein, of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
• Status: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• Introduced: March 27, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 259 is a resolution that requests the President of the United States to provide specific documents and information to the House of Representatives. The intent is to investigate the access granted to certain individuals associated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the systems and information of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP). This inquiry aims to ensure transparency and accountability regarding access to sensitive information.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several specific requests for information, including:

1. Identification of Individuals:

   • Names, ages, and professional backgrounds of individuals working with DOGE (excluding those employed before January 20, 2025) who have access to BCFP systems.

2. Access Details:

   • Information on which systems or applications contained confidential or sensitive information and the level of access each individual had, including any required clearances.

3. Confidential Information Handling:

   • Details on any confidential information accessed by these individuals, including how it was shared or modified.

4. Access Procedures:

   • A comprehensive list of steps taken to grant access to these individuals, including timelines and approvals.

5. User Agreements and Training:

   • Documentation of signed user agreements and training completed by individuals with access.

6. Conflict of Interest:

   • Identification of potential conflicts of interest and steps taken to mitigate them.

7. Employee Statistics:

   • Total number of full-time equivalent employees at BCFP as of December 31, 2024, and March 24, 2025, including those on administrative leave or under a stop-work order.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- The President of the United States, who is required to provide the requested documents.
- Individuals associated with the Department of Government Efficiency who have been granted access to BCFP systems.
- The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, which is the subject of the inquiry.

Procedural Aspects

• The resolution was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services on March 27, 2025.
• A committee consideration and mark-up session was held on April 2, 2025.
• The President is requested to respond within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.

Conclusion

HRES 259 seeks to enhance oversight and accountability regarding access to sensitive information within the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. By requesting detailed documentation and clarifications from the President, the resolution aims to ensure that access to confidential information is properly managed and that any potential conflicts of interest are addressed.