Richard Durbin (D-IL)
National Archives Protection Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S5264)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
S. 5632, known as the National Archives Protection Act, was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2026. The bill amends title 44, United States Code. Its main purpose is to stop the closure of Federal records centers and archives. Under the bill, the Archivist is prohibited from closing existing record centers or archive facilities established before the enactment date. It also bans placing unreasonable restrictions on public access to these facilities. Additionally, the legislation stops any reconstruction, conversion, or rehabilitation of these facilities if the work requires relocating records for more than 180 days.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill prohibits the closure of federal records centers and unreasonable restrictions on public access, ensuring government transparency and accountability.
- Scored +3
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
Ensuring public access to historical and federal records protects the public's ability to research and share information.
- Scored +3
Would students be better off under this?
Students and academic researchers benefit from the continued accessibility and stability of federal records centers and archives.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Access to Records: Section 2 of the bill prevents the Archivist from closing or putting unreasonable restrictions on public access to any record center or archive facility established before the enactment date, which ensures people keep their ability to use these facilities.
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Stability of Record Locations: Section 2 stops the Archivist from reconstructing, converting, or rehabilitating a center or facility if the work would force the relocation of records for more than 180 days, keeping records in place for those who rely on them.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Textual Evidence: The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline potential negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill prohibits the closure of federal records centers and unreasonable restrictions on public access, ensuring government transparency and accountability. Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — Ensuring public access to historical and federal records protects the public's ability to research and share information.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Students and academic researchers benefit from the continued accessibility and stability of federal records centers and archives.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — By protecting federal records facilities from closure and maintaining public access, the bill indirectly supports researchers and digital access to archival records.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S5264)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California