This bill aims to enhance the safety and security of Members of Congress , their immediate family members , and congressional staff , collectively termed "at-risk individuals." It broadly defines "covered information" to include sensitive personal data such as home addresses, phone numbers, personal emails, financial details, and information identifying children or their school attendance, seeking to prevent its public dissemination and unauthorized transfer. The legislation mandates that government agencies remove an at-risk individual's covered information from public display within 72 hours of a request. It also makes it unlawful for data brokers to knowingly sell, license, or trade the covered information of any individual in the United States. Other businesses are similarly prohibited from publicly posting or displaying an at-risk individual's covered information online if a written request for removal has been made, requiring removal within 72 hours. To facilitate compliance, legislative officers can make these requests on behalf of Members and staff, or provide lists to relevant entities. While protecting personal data, the bill includes exceptions for disclosures made with a signed release, by certain financial institutions, or when information is relevant to a news story or matter of public concern. Importantly, at-risk individuals whose covered information is disclosed in violation of the act may seek injunctive or declaratory relief in court.
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Congress
Protecting Americans from Doxing and Political Violence Act
USA119th CongressHR-9857| House
| Updated: 7/22/2026
This bill aims to enhance the safety and security of Members of Congress , their immediate family members , and congressional staff , collectively termed "at-risk individuals." It broadly defines "covered information" to include sensitive personal data such as home addresses, phone numbers, personal emails, financial details, and information identifying children or their school attendance, seeking to prevent its public dissemination and unauthorized transfer. The legislation mandates that government agencies remove an at-risk individual's covered information from public display within 72 hours of a request. It also makes it unlawful for data brokers to knowingly sell, license, or trade the covered information of any individual in the United States. Other businesses are similarly prohibited from publicly posting or displaying an at-risk individual's covered information online if a written request for removal has been made, requiring removal within 72 hours. To facilitate compliance, legislative officers can make these requests on behalf of Members and staff, or provide lists to relevant entities. While protecting personal data, the bill includes exceptions for disclosures made with a signed release, by certain financial institutions, or when information is relevant to a news story or matter of public concern. Importantly, at-risk individuals whose covered information is disclosed in violation of the act may seek injunctive or declaratory relief in court.