PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jun 30, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on May 10, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Recovering Missing Children Act
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit federal law enforcement officials to seek an ex parte order in federal court for the disclosure of tax returns or return information for criminal investigations pertaining to missing or exploited children.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
If the order is granted, the information may be disclosed to federal officers and employees who are personally and directly engaged in judicial or administrative proceedings, investigations, or federal grand jury proceedings to enforce a federal criminal statute pertaining to a missing or exploited child.
A federal agency may disclose to state and local law enforcement agencies information obtained under the authority provided by this bill if:
the state or local agency is part of a team with the federal agency in the investigation, and
the information is disclosed only to officers and employees who are personally and directly engaged in the investigation.
The state or local agency may only use the disclosed information in locating the missing child, in a grand jury proceeding, or in any preparation for, or investigation which may result in, a judicial or administrative proceeding.
People & committees
Rep. Paulsen, Erik [R-MN-3] · R–MN
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 114-184.
Became Public Law No: 114-184.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4287-4288)
Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S4287-4288)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2189)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2189)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3209.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2189-2192)
Mr. Paulsen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 418.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 114-542.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 114-542.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H5520)
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3209 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.3209 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.
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