PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Mar 12, 2019
Electronic Message Preservation Act
This bill requires the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to regulate federal agency preservation of electronic messages that are federal records.
NARA's regulations must (1) require the electronic capture, management, and preservation of such records in accordance with the Federal Records Act; (2) require such records to be retrievable through electronic searches; (3) include timelines for federal agency implementation of the regulations that ensure compliance as expeditiously as practicable; (4) establish functional requirements for electronic records management systems and a process to ensure that such systems meet the functional requirements; and (5) include requirements for the capture, management, and preservation of other electronic records.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Agencies must publicly report on their compliance with the regulations.
NARA must (1) establish standards for the management of electronic presidential records during a President's term of office, (2) certify annually whether a President's electronic records management controls meet the requirements of the Presidential Records Act, and (3) report after the conclusion of a President's term of office regarding electronic records deposited into the presidential archival depository and whether electronic records management controls met specified requirements.
People & committees
Rep. Cummings, Elijah E. [D-MD-7] · D–MD
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2666)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2666)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1582.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2665-2667)
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, 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
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.1582 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1582 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1582 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1582 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.