3.0.0
6513
2025-05-27T14:15:02Z
2025-05-27T14:15:02Z
House
H
HR
2023-11-30
118
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 197 (Thursday, November 30, 2023)][House]From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]By Mr. CAREY:H.R. 6513.Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuantto the following:Article 1 Sections 4 and 5The single subject of this legislation is:To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to confirm therequirement that States allow access to designatedcongressional election observers to observe the electionadministration procedures in congressional elections.[Page H6050]
- ssra00
Rules and Administration Committee
Senate
Standing
  - Discharged From
2024-09-25T00:21:03Z
  - Referred To
2024-09-10T19:09:21Z
- hsha00
Committee on House Administration
House
Standing
  - Reported By
2024-01-29T19:38:00Z
  - Markup By
2023-11-30T15:08:54Z
  - Referred To
2023-11-30T15:00:25Z
H. Rept. 118-361

- ACE Act
118
4563
HR
2025-01-03
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 825.
  - Text similarities
House

- Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023
118
4474
HR
2023-07-06
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  - Text similarities
House

- Ensuring Faith in Our Elections Act
118
4494
HR
2023-07-06
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability, Science, Space, and Technology, Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce, 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.
  - Text similarities
House

- COCOA Act of 2024
118
9779
HR
2024-09-24
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  - Related bill
CRS
- 2024-10-04
Became Public Law No: 118-106.
President
E40000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-10-04
Became Public Law No: 118-106.
BecameLaw
36000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-10-04
Signed by President.
President
E30000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-10-04
Signed by President.
BecameLaw
36000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-10-01
Presented to President.
Floor
E20000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-10-01
Presented to President.
President
28000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-09-25
16:27:32
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
ResolvingDifferences
H41931
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-25
16:27:30
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 1 (Roll no. 449). (text: CR H5791)
ResolvingDifferences
H41610
2
House floor actions
449
https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2024/roll449.xml
House
118
2024-09-25T20:27:30Z
2
- 2024-09-25
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 1 (Roll no. 449). (text: CR H5791)
NotUsed
19500
9
Library of Congress
449
https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2024/roll449.xml
House
118
2024-09-25T20:27:30Z
2
- 2024-09-25
16:03:01
Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6513 - "An Act to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to confirm the requirement that States allow access to designated congressional election observers to observe the election administration procedures in congressional elections." (consideration: CR H5800)
Floor
H8D000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-25
15:05:14
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.
ResolvingDifferences
H40142
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-25
14:58:53
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6513.
Floor
H8D000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-25
14:58:41
Mr. Steil moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H5791-5792)
ResolvingDifferences
H40140
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-25
Senate
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Floor
- 2024-09-24
Senate
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
- 2024-09-24
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
17000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-09-24
Senate
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
Floor
- 2024-09-24
  - ssra00
Rules and Administration Committee
Senate
Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Discharge
- 2024-09-24
Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Committee
14500
9
Library of Congress
  - ssra00
Rules and Administration Committee
- 2024-09-10
  - ssra00
Rules and Administration Committee
Senate
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
IntroReferral
- 2024-09-09
15:35:05
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Floor
H38310
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-09
15:35:02
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5049-5050)
Floor
H37300
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-09
15:35:02
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5049-5050)
Floor
8000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-09-09
15:28:57
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6513.
Floor
H8D000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-09
15:28:55
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5049-5051)
Floor
H30000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-09-09
15:28:24
Mr. Steil moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Floor
H30300
2
House floor actions
- 2024-01-29
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 296.
Calendars
H12410
2
House floor actions
U00296
- 2024-01-29
Reported by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 118-361.
Committee
H12200
2
House floor actions
  - hsha00
Committee on House Administration
- 2024-01-29
Reported by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 118-361.
Committee
5000
9
Library of Congress
  - hsha00
Committee on House Administration
- 2023-11-30
  - hsha00
Committee on House Administration
1
House committee actions
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee
- 2023-11-30
  - hsha00
Committee on House Administration
1
House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee
- 2023-11-30
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
IntroReferral
H11100
2
House floor actions
  - hsha00
Committee on House Administration
- 2023-11-30
Introduced in House
IntroReferral
Intro-H
9
Library of Congress
- 2023-11-30
Introduced in House
IntroReferral
1000
9
Library of Congress
- C001126
Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
Mike
Carey
R
OH
15
N
- M001206
Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Joseph
Morelle
D
NY
D.
25
2023-11-30
True
- S001213
Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]
Bryan
Steil
R
WI
1
2023-11-30
True
- 2024-04-12T18:45:00Z

H.R. 6513, COCOA Act of 2023
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60212
As reported by the House Committee on House Administration on January 29, 2024
- Public Law
118-106
Government Operations and Politics
- Congressional oversight
2024-05-21T18:33:46Z
- Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
2024-05-21T18:33:37Z
- State and local government operations
2024-05-21T18:33:42Z
Government Operations and Politics
2023-12-14T16:45:50Z
00
2023-11-30
Introduced in House
2024-09-12T14:46:40Z
Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023 or the COCOA Act of 2023
This bill provides statutory authority for designated congressional election observers. Designated congressional election observer refers to an employee of the House of Representatives who is designated in writing by the chair or ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration to gather information with respect to an election, including in the event that the election is contested in the House and for other purposes permitted by Article I, Section 5, clause 1 and Article I, Section 4, clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
The bill requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to clearly observe all elements of administration procedures of federal elections, including access to any area in which a ballot is cast, processed, scanned, tabulated, canvassed, recounted, audited, or certified, including during pre- and post-election procedures.
The bill prohibits such an observer from handling ballots or election equipment, advocating for a position or candidate, taking any action to reduce ballot secrecy or voter privacy, taking any action to interfere with the ability of a voter to cast a ballot or an election administrator to carry out the administrator's duties, or otherwise interfering with the election administration process.
The bill specifies the conduct for which designated congressional election observers may be removed by election officials. In the event of removal, the election official must provide written notice to the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration.
07
2024-01-29
Reported to House
2024-09-24T15:00:48Z
Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023 or the COCOA Act of 2023
This bill provides statutory authority for designated congressional election observers. Designated congressional election observer refers to an employee of the House of Representatives who is designated in writing by the chair or ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration to gather information with respect to an election, including in the event that the election is contested in the House and for other purposes permitted by Article I, Section 5, clause 1 and Article I, Section 4, clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
The bill requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to clearly observe all elements of administration procedures of federal elections, including access to any area in which a ballot is cast, processed, scanned, tabulated, canvassed, recounted, audited, or certified, including during pre- and post-election procedures.
The bill prohibits such an observer from handling ballots or election equipment, advocating for a position or candidate, taking any action to reduce ballot secrecy or voter privacy, taking any action to interfere with the ability of a voter to cast a ballot or an election administrator to carry out the administrator's duties, or otherwise interfering with the election administration process.
The bill specifies the conduct for which designated congressional election observers may be removed by election officials. In the event of removal, the election official must provide written notice to the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration.
49
2024-10-04
Public Law
2024-11-20T22:48:16Z
Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2024 or the COCOA Act of 2024
This act provides statutory authority for designated congressional election observers. Designated congressional election observer refers to an employee of the House of Representatives or the Senate who is designated in writing by the chair or ranking minority member of the House Committee on House Administration or the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to gather information with respect to an election, including in the event that the election is contested in the House or the Senate and for other purposes permitted by Article I, Section 5, clause 1 and Article I, Section 4, clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
The act requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to clearly observe all elements of administration procedures of federal elections, including access to any area in which a ballot is cast, processed, scanned, tabulated, canvassed, recounted, audited, or certified, including during pre- and post-election procedures.
The act prohibits such an observer from handling ballots or election equipment, advocating for a position or candidate, taking any action to reduce ballot secrecy or voter privacy, taking any action to interfere with the ability of a voter to cast a ballot or an election administrator to carry out the administrator's duties, or otherwise interfering with the election administration process.
The act specifies the conduct for which designated congressional election observers may be removed by election officials. In the event of removal, the election official must, within 24 hours of the observer's removal, provide written notice to the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on House Administration or the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.

COCOA Act of 2024
- Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill text
147

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2024
2024-09-27T00:23:17Z
J
Joint
Enrolled Bill
ENR
- Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill text
147

COCOA Act of 2024
2024-09-27T00:23:17Z
J
Joint
Enrolled Bill
ENR
- Display Title
45

COCOA Act of 2024
2024-09-25T04:23:16Z
- Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate bill text
250

COCOA Act of 2024
2024-09-25T04:23:15Z
Engrossed Amendment Senate
EAS
- Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate bill text
250

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2024
2024-09-25T04:23:15Z
Engrossed Amendment Senate
EAS
- Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
255

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023
2024-09-13T23:38:13Z
S
Senate
Referred in Senate
RFS
- Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
255

COCOA Act of 2023
2024-09-13T23:38:13Z
S
Senate
Referred in Senate
RFS
- Short Title(s) as Passed House
104

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023
2024-09-11T03:53:15Z
H
House
Engrossed in House
EH
- Short Title(s) as Passed House
104

COCOA Act of 2023
2024-09-11T03:53:15Z
H
House
Engrossed in House
EH
- Short Title(s) as Introduced
101

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023
2024-05-24T13:35:11Z
Introduced in House
IH
- Short Title(s) as Introduced
101

COCOA Act of 2023
2024-05-24T13:35:11Z
Introduced in House
IH
- Short Title(s) as Reported to House
102

COCOA Act of 2023
2024-05-24T13:34:33Z
H
House
Reported in House
RH
- Short Title(s) as Reported to House
102

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023
2024-05-24T13:34:33Z
H
House
Reported in House
RH
- Official Title as Introduced
6

To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to confirm the requirement that States allow access to designated congressional election observers to observe the election administration procedures in congressional elections.
2024-03-18T21:54:53Z
Introduced in House
IH
3297
118
SAMDT
In the nature of a substitute.
2024-12-14T12:08:16Z
2024-09-24
Amendment SA 3297 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
SA 3297
https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/senate-amendment/3297
- M000355
Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
Mitch
McConnell
R
KY
- S000148
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Charles
Schumer
D
NY
Submitted on behalf of
- S000148
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Charles
Schumer
D
NY
Proposed on behalf of
2024-09-25T00:21:34Z
2024-09-24T04:00:00Z
Senate
118
HR
House
H
6513

COCOA Act of 2024
2025-05-27
6
- 2024-09-24
0
Senate
Amendment SA 3297 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
- 2024-09-24
0
Senate
Amendment SA 3297 proposed by Senator Schumer for Senator McConnell. (consideration: CR S6382-6383)
Floor
- 2024-09-24
IntroReferral
Intro-S
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-09-24
Senate amendment proposed (on the floor): Amendment SA 3297 proposed by Senator Schumer for Senator McConnell.
Floor
93000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-09-24
Senate amendment submitted
Floor
91000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-09-24
Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 3297 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
94000
9
Library of Congress
- Enrolled Bill
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr6513enr/xml/BILLS-118hr6513enr.xml
- Engrossed Amendment Senate
2024-09-24T04:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr6513eas/xml/BILLS-118hr6513eas.xml
- Referred in Senate
2024-09-10T04:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr6513rfs/xml/BILLS-118hr6513rfs.xml
- Engrossed in House
2024-09-09T04:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr6513eh/xml/BILLS-118hr6513eh.xml
- Reported in House
2024-01-29T05:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr6513rh/xml/BILLS-118hr6513rh.xml
- Introduced in House
2023-11-30T05:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr6513ih/xml/BILLS-118hr6513ih.xml
- 2024-10-05T03:59:59Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-118publ106/uslm/PLAW-118publ106.xml
Public Law
2024-10-04
Became Public Law No: 118-106.
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress
This file contains bill summaries and statuses for federal legislation. A bill summary describes the most significant provisions of a piece of legislation and details the effects the legislative text may have on current law and federal programs. Bill summaries are authored by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress. As stated in Public Law 91-510 (2 USC 166 (d)(6)), one of the duties of CRS is "to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives". For more information, refer to the User Guide that accompanies this file.