Bill · H.R. 8215· House(119-HR-8215)
Volume II Transparency Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/9/2026
- Last activity
- 4/9/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Cohen
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Volume II Transparency Act of 2026'', directs the Attorney General to take specific action regarding a report. It requires the Attorney General to publish volume II of the report prepared by Special Counsel Jack Smith on the Department of Justice website. This publication must occur no later than 7 days after the Act is enacted. The bill also outlines specific rules regarding what information can be redacted from the report.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
The bill requires the Attorney General to publish a specific investigative report to the public via the DOJ website.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+5
The bill permits the redaction of names and identifying information for witnesses and victims.
The opposite
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?-1
The bill allows for the redaction of information that could negatively impact national security, implying a potential risk if such info is disclosed.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Public Disclosure of Information: The bill requires the Attorney General to publish volume II of the report prepared by Special Counsel Jack Smith on the Department of Justice website within 7 days of enactment (Section 2(a)). This provides transparency regarding the report's contents.
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Protection of Witnesses: The Attorney General is permitted to redact the names of witnesses and any information that would identify them, provided they did not aid or abet a criminal offense described in the volume (Section 2(b)(1)). This protects the identities of certain individuals.
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Protection of Victims: The Attorney General may redact the names of victims and any information that would identify them (Section 2(b)(2)). This provides a layer of privacy for those targeted by criminal offenses.
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National Security Safeguards: The bill allows for the redaction of national security or other information that would negatively impact national security if disclosed publicly (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Public Interest Exceptions: A redaction made for national security reasons may still be made public if the Attorney General determines it is in the public interest (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk to National Security: There is a possibility that certain information could be disclosed that might negatively impact national security, which is why the bill allows for redactions (Section 2(b)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+8Improves Privacy Rights+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense-1
- 4/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Christian MenefeeDemocrat · Texas