National Archives Protection Act

119th Congress Introduced by Judy Chu and 5 co-sponsors

Prohibits closing Federal records centers, requiring continued operation to preserve and provide access to official government records.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 10131 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

HR 10131 aims to amend title 44 of the United States Code to prohibit the closure of Federal records centers. The bill is framed to prevent reductions or shutdowns of facilities that store and manage Federal records, seeking to ensure continuity of records access, preservation, and related operations.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition on closure: The core provision would make it unlawful to close Federal records centers. This indicates that certain facilities housing government records cannot be shut down without statutory changes or additional processes.

Scope of coverage: The bill targets Federal records centers, which are facilities used by government agencies to store, preserve, and manage official records. It may address related operations (e.g., preservation standards, access for authorized personnel) in the context of maintaining centers open.

Administrative actions: While the bill text is not provided here, such measures typically require any proposed closure to undergo a regulatory or legislative review, including criteria for determining necessity, potential alternatives, and implications for records management.

“And for other purposes”: This general catch-all phrase suggests the bill could contain additional related provisions, potentially addressing implementation, funding, reporting, or associated recordkeeping requirements to support the main prohibition.

Affected parties and entities

Primary impact: Federal agencies that rely on and manage official records stored in Federal records centers.

Federal records centers: Facilities operated under a government-wide framework for records storage and preservation.

Government workforce: Agencies’ personnel who manage, access, and preserve records may experience changes in procedures or oversight related to facility operations.

Oversight and compliance bodies: House committees (including the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform) would oversee implementation and enforcement, and agencies would need to align with the prohibition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on August 20, 2026.

Status: As of the latest action, the bill has been referred to a committee for consideration. No floor passage or passage in the Senate is indicated in the provided information.

Sponsorship: The bill has several co-sponsors, including Ro Khanna, Judy Chu, Chuy García, Pramila Jayapal, Doris Matsui, and Kevin Mullin, signaling bipartisan or cross-ideological interest in protecting Federal records centers.

Potential implications

Operational stability for records: If enacted, the prohibition could prevent agency-scale reorganizations or closures of records facilities, supporting long-term preservation and accessibility of Federal records.

Budget and logistics considerations: Agencies may need to maintain current capacity and staffing for centers, potentially affecting future budgeting, consolidation plans, or modernization efforts.

Implementation requirements: The bill may necessitate procedures for any exceptions, reviews, or emergencies to ensure that closures are not undertaken without proper authorization and oversight.

Notes

The exact text of the bill would clarify specific definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “closure” or “records center”), any exemptions, funding implications, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms. The summary above reflects the information available: a stated prohibition on closing Federal records centers and related, broader purposes.