[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 123 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ELECTRONIC MESSAGE PRESERVATION ACT OF 2017

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2018

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1376, the 
``Electronic Message Preservation Act of 2017,'' which helps ensure the 
preservation of federal agency electronic messages.
  Mr. Speaker, it is critical that we are able to preserve records of 
activities and to have appropriate systems to manage and preserve those 
reports relating to Presidential records, and for other purposes.
  According to CBO, enacting H.R. 1376 would not increase net direct 
spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year 
periods beginning in 2029.
  First, such regulations as a minimum must require the electronic 
capture, management, and preservation of such electronic records in 
accordance with the Federal Records Act.
  Second, they must also require such records to be retrievable through 
electronic searches.
  Third, it is imperative to include timelines for federal agency 
implementation of the regulations that ensure compliance as 
expeditiously as practicable.
  Mr. Speaker, enacting H.R. 1376 will help preserve records of 
activities by requiring NARA to oversee and issue guidance on managing 
federal records, including email messages.
  CBO estimates that any net changes in direct spending by those 
agencies would be insignificant.
  Enacting this bill would not affect revenues.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1376 and standing 
true to our nation's commitment to advancing security in managing and 
preserving records.

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