Access of congressional research service to government information

(a)

Direct access to information

Section 203 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 166) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and (2)by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection:

(j) (1)In carrying out the duties and functions of the Congressional Research Service under subsection (d), the Director is authorized to secure books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, secure information, and other data in all forms directly from the various departments, agencies, and establishments of the executive branch of the Government and the regulatory agencies and commissions of the Government as the Director determines to be necessary to carry out the request, and all such departments, agencies, establishments, and regulatory agencies and commissions shall furnish the Director with all such available material in a timely manner. (2)With respect to books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, secure information, and other data in all forms obtained under paragraph (1), the Director shall maintain the same level of confidentiality as is required by law of the department, agency, establishment, or regulatory agency or commission from which it is obtained. Officers and employees of the Congressional Research Service shall be subject to the same statutory penalties for unauthorized disclosure or use as officers or employees of the department, agency, establishment, or regulatory agency or commission from which it is obtained.

(b)

Conforming amendment

Section 203(d)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 166(d)(1)) is amended in the matter following subparagraph (C) by striking and in the performance of this duty and all that follows through comply with such request;.