Bill · H.R. 9967· House(119-HR-9967)
Congress Leads by Example Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/27/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Eleanor Norton
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Congress Leads by Example Act of 2026" aims to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. It seeks to increase enforcement for occupational safety and health protections within the legislative branch. The bill also establishes new whistleblower protections and various anti-discrimination measures for employees. Additionally, it introduces restrictions on discharging employees due to garnishment or bankruptcy. Finally, the act provides for parental bereavement leave for covered employees.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would union members be better off under this?+5
The bill enhances occupational safety oversight and whistleblower protections for legislative employees.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill requires offices to retain records necessary to administer the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill makes certain legislative branch hearings and deliberations open to the public.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill introduces new recordkeeping and administrative requirements for employing offices.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Safety Oversight: The bill provides the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights with expanded subpoena authority and requires employing offices to follow specific recordkeeping requirements regarding occupational safety and health (Section 2).
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Protection Against Retaliation: Employees are protected from being fired or discriminated against for requesting safety actions or testifying in proceedings related to safety protections (Section 2).
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Whistleblower Protections: Employees are protected from personnel actions because of disclosures regarding violations of law, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or specific dangers to public health and safety (Section 3).
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Financial Security Protections: The bill prohibits employing offices from discharging employees because their earnings are subject to garnishment for a single debt (Section 3).
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Bankruptcy Protections: Employers are prohibited from denying or terminating employment based on an employee's status as a debtor or bankrupt (Section 3).
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Family Support: The bill extends parental bereavement leave rights to covered employees (Section 3).
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Juror Protections: Legislative branch employees, including those at the Government Accountability Office, Library of Congress, and Government Publishing Office, receive protections regarding their employment while serving on juries (Section 5).
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Increased Transparency: The bill makes certain hearings and deliberations open to the public (Section 7).
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Access to Mediation: Employees can now request mediation for their claims (Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Recordkeeping Burdens: Employing offices are subject to new recordkeeping requirements regarding occupational safety and health (Section 2).
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Record Retention Requirements: Employing offices are required to retain records necessary to administer laws such as the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Union Workers+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Women+3Good For Business Owners-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5
- 7/27/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E745)
- Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House