LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES CLARIFICATION ACT

On 2026-06-10, Representative Ed Case (D-HI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES CLARIFICATION ACT" in the House.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES CLARIFICATION ACT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E556] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES CLARIFICATION ACT ______ speech of HON. ED CASE of hawaii in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act, which was introduced by my colleague, Representative Griffith. As the independence of the legislative branch continues to be challenged and eroded, we must take the necessary steps to ensure our ability to function as an unimpeded co-equal branch of government. This important legislation is part of an overall effort to strengthen and protect Congressional independence. Similar to my bill, the Legislative Branch Independence Act (H.R. 6517), the House is seeking in this legislation to provide the necessary clarity regarding the governance of agencies that uniquely serve the Legislative Branch and reaffirm Congress' constitutional authority over its own institutions. By shifting the appointment authority away from the executive branch for the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office, both bills further align the responsibilities of these agencies to the Legislative Branch. While my bill differs in its addition of the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office, the shared effort to retain Congressional control over the appointment process for key legislative branch officials reflects our common intent to strengthen and protect the structure of these institutions that serve us. I urge my colleagues to join me in working to secure the enactment of these bills to empower Congress to control all aspects of key legislative branch agencies. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR6517