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H.R.356 / 115th Congress

Protecting Our Democracy Act

Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Swalwell (CA). Petition No: 115-2. (<a href="http://clerk.house.gov/115/lrc/pd/petitions/DisPet0002.xml">Discharge petition</a> text with signatures.)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 6, 2017

Protecting Our Democracy Act

This bill establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Foreign Interference in the 2016 Election to examine any attempts or activities by the Russian government or other governments, persons or entities associated with such governments, or persons or entities within Russia to use electronic means to influence, interfere with, or sow distrust in elections for public office held in the United States in 2016.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] · D–CA

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
204 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Swalwell (CA). Petition No: 115-2. (<a href="http://clerk.house.gov/115/lrc/pd/petitions/DisPet0002.xml">Discharge petition</a> text with signatures.)

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.356 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.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.356 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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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.356 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.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.356 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.

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