Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): Received in the Senate.
What this bill does
This bill would change how several top legislative-branch officials are appointed, removed, and supervised. For the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office, appointment authority would shift to a bipartisan "commission" made up of House and Senate party leaders and the leadership of the relevant oversight committees, rather than presidential nomination with Senate confirmation; either official could be removed by majority vote of that leadership group. Both positions would also get a Deputy who could serve as acting head, with a similar committee/leadership process used if the agency head fails to fill that deputy slot within 120 days. The bill also separates the Copyright Office from Library of Congress supervision: many references to the "Librarian of Congress" in copyright law are changed to "Register of Copyrights," the Register would still be presidentially appointed with Senate confirmation (after a slate of three nominees from House and Senate Judiciary and administration committee leaders), would serve a 10-year term (renewable for 5-year terms), must have copyright law experience, and the Copyright Office would gain its own Inspector General.
The changes primarily affect the internal governance and accountability structure of the Library of Congress, the Government Publishing Office, and the Copyright Office—agencies that serve Congress and the public through library, printing, and copyright registration functions. Members of Congress, congressional committee leaders, and these agencies' leadership would have new roles in selecting and overseeing these officials; the public and copyright holders would see the Copyright Office operate with greater independence from the Library of Congress.
The bill was introduced September 1, 2026, and passed the House by voice vote on September 14, 2026, under a suspension-of-the-rules motion, indicating broad, non-controversial support. It now goes to the Senate, which must consider, amend, or pass it before it could go to the President for signature.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official 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.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
Received in the Senate.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10204 do?
- This bill would change how several top legislative-branch officials are appointed, removed, and supervised. For the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office, appointment authority would shift to a bipartisan "commission" made up of House and Senate party leaders and the leadership of the relevant oversight committees, rather than presidential nomination with Senate confirmation; either official could be removed by majority vote of that leadership group. Both positions would also get a Deputy who could serve as acting head, with a similar committee/leadership process used if the agency head fails to fill that deputy slot within 120 days. The bill also separates the Copyright Office from Library of Congress supervision: many references to the "Librarian of Congress" in copyright law are changed to "Register of Copyrights," the Register would still be presidentially appointed with Senate confirmation (after a slate of three nominees from House and Senate Judiciary and administration committee leaders), would serve a 10-year term (renewable for 5-year terms), must have copyright law experience, and the Copyright Office would gain its own Inspector General. The changes primarily affect the internal governance and accountability structure of the Library of Congress, the Government Publishing Office, and the Copyright Office—agencies that serve Congress and the public through library, printing, and copyright registration functions. Members of Congress, congressional committee leaders, and these agencies' leadership would have new roles in selecting and overseeing these officials; the public and copyright holders would see the Copyright Office operate with greater independence from the Library of Congress. The bill was introduced September 1, 2026, and passed the House by voice vote on September 14, 2026, under a suspension-of-the-rules motion, indicating broad, non-controversial support. It now goes to the Senate, which must consider, amend, or pass it before it could go to the President for signature.
- Has H.R. 10204 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10204. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10204?
- H.R. 10204 was sponsored by Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9] (R-VA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10204?
- Received in the Senate. (15 Sep 2026).
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