Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act

Summary

Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act This bill revises the procedures for appointing and removing the Librarian of Congress, the Director of the Government Publishing Office (GPO), and the Register of Copyrights. The bill also establishes an Office of Inspector General within the Copyright Office and requires GPO to establish a human management system. Specifically, the bill requires the Librarian of Congress and the Director of GPO to be appointed by a bipartisan congressional commission, based on procedures outlined by the bill and without regard to political affiliation. (Currently, these positions are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.) The Librarian of Congress and the Director of GPO may only be removed from office by a majority vote of the majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Additionally, the bill requires the Librarian of Congress and the Director of GPO to each appoint a deputy within a set time frame and outlines related procedures. The bill removes the Library of Congress's (LOC's) supervisory authority over the Copyright Office and instead transfers those powers directly to the Register of Copyrights. LOC and other legislative agencies may provide support services to the Copyright Office. The bill requires the Register of Copyrights to be (1) a U.S. citizen with a background and experience in copyright law, and (2) appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. (Currently, the Register is appointed by the Librarian.) Before the President makes the appointment, the chair and ranking minority member of each specified committee must jointly recommend three individuals whom the President may consider in making the appointment. The bill limits the term of office for the Register to 10 years, but the individual may be reappointed. The bill requires subordinate officers and employees of the Copyright Office to be appointed by the Register. Further, the bill requires the Register (instead of the Librarian) to appoint the three administrative judges of the Copyright Royalty Board. The bill also establishes an Office of Inspector General within the Copyright Office to, among other duties, conduct and supervise audits and investigations (excluding incidents involving violence and personal property) relating to the Copyright Office. The Register must appoint an Inspector General to head this office without regard to political affiliation. The Register may remove or transfer the Inspector General with prior congressional notification. The bill also requires GPO to establish and maintain a human capital management system and outlines the requirements for the system.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Passed one of the two chambers; it still needs the other.

House Committee on House Administration · U.S. House of Representatives

Your position on this bill

Choose the position closest to yours. You'll sign in or create an account to save it.

Related bills

• H.R. 6028Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification ActRelated bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Sep 15, 2026

   Sent to the executive

   Received in the Senate.

   U.S. Senate

2. Sep 14, 2026

   Considered Under Suspension of the rules. (consideration: cr H5551-5557)

   Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5551-5557)

3. Sep 14, 2026

   Considered Under Suspension of the rules. (consideration: cr H5551-5557)

   Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5551-5557)

4. Sep 14, 2026

   Debate - the House Proceeded With Forty Minutes of Debate on H.R. 10204.

   DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 10204.

   U.S. House of Representatives

5. Sep 14, 2026

   Passed a chamber

   Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.