[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES CLARIFICATION ACT
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speech of
HON. ED CASE
of hawaii
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 8, 2026
Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Legislative
Branch Agencies Clarification Act, which was introduced by my
colleague, Representative Griffith.
As the independence of the legislative branch continues to be
challenged and eroded, we must take the necessary steps to ensure our
ability to function as an unimpeded co-equal branch of government. This
important legislation is part of an overall effort to strengthen and
protect Congressional independence.
Similar to my bill, the Legislative Branch Independence Act (H.R.
6517), the House is seeking in this legislation to provide the
necessary clarity regarding the governance of agencies that uniquely
serve the Legislative Branch and reaffirm Congress' constitutional
authority over its own institutions.
By shifting the appointment authority away from the executive branch
for the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government
Publishing Office, both bills further align the responsibilities of
these agencies to the Legislative Branch.
While my bill differs in its addition of the Comptroller General of
the Government Accountability Office, the shared effort to retain
Congressional control over the appointment process for key legislative
branch officials reflects our common intent to strengthen and protect
the structure of these institutions that serve us.
I urge my colleagues to join me in working to secure the enactment of
these bills to empower Congress to control all aspects of key
legislative branch agencies.
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