PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 109-476.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jan 12, 2007
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on April 25, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Telephone Records and Privacy Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the obtaining, in interstate or foreign commerce, of confidential phone records information from a telecommunications carrier or IP-enabled voice service provider (covered entity) by: (1) making false or fraudulent statements to an employee of a covered entity or to a customer of a covered entity; (2) providing false or fraudulent documents to a covered entity; or (3) accessing customer accounts of a covered entity through the Internet or by fraudulent computer-related activities without prior authorization. Imposes a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Prohibits the unauthorized sale or transfer, in interstate or foreign commerce, of confidential phone records information by any person or the purchase or receipt of such information with knowledge that it was fraudulently obtained or obtained without prior authorization. Imposes a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years. Exempts covered entities from such restrictions to the extent authorized by the Communications Act of 1934 (e.g., for billing, protection of property rights, or for emergency purposes).
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Doubles fines and imposes an additional five-year prison term for violations occurring in a 12-month period involving more than $100,000 or more than 50 customers of a covered entity. Imposes an additional five-year prison term for violations involving the use of confidential phone records information to commit crimes of violence, crimes of domestic violence, and crimes against law enforcement officials and the administration of justice.
Grants extraterritorial jurisdiction over crimes defined by this Act.
Exempts lawfully authorized federal or state investigative, protective, or intelligence activities from the prohibitions of this Act.
Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend, if appropriate, federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements for crimes defined by this Act.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 109-476.
Became Public Law No: 109-476.
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 the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11640)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11640)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 - 0 (Roll no. 101). (text: CR H1690-1691)
House roll call 101 · Individual votesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 - 0 (Roll no. 101).(text: CR H1690-1691)
House roll call 101 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1704-1705)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4709.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1690-1694)
Mr. Sensenbrenner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 109-395.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 109-395.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E90)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.4709 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.4709 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.4709 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.4709 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.