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119-hr-2363119th CongressWALLET

DOGE POUND Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]

Introduced

Summary

Blocks broad access to HHS systems that store individually identifiable health information and creates narrow eligibility rules plus penalties for unauthorized use. It would tighten who can see sensitive health data and require fast reporting when access is improper.

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  • HHS officers, employees, and contractors would only be allowed access if they were eligible before Jan. 20, 2025 and remained eligible through the access date.
  • Non-HHS users would face six conditions to gain access, including a security clearance under the National Security Act, avoiding conflicts under 18 U.S.C. § 208, not being a Special Government Employee, at least one year of continuous civil service, completion of privacy and cybersecurity training, and a signed ethics agreement.
  • Knowingly violating the access rules could bring fines or up to 5 years in prison and is prosecutable for up to 10 years after the offense.
  • The HHS Inspector General would have to investigate every unauthorized access and report to Congress within 30 days with a description of the incident, a risk assessment, and any stopped payments during the event.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Criminal penalties and breach reports at HHS

If enacted, knowingly breaking these access rules would be a federal crime. A violator could face up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both. Prosecutors would have 10 years to bring charges. The HHS Inspector General would have to investigate every unauthorized access and report to Congress within 30 days. Each report would describe what happened, the privacy and security risks, and any stopped payments.

Tighter limits on HHS health data access

If enacted, HHS would only let certain people use systems with personal health data. HHS staff could keep access only if they were eligible before January 20, 2025 and stayed eligible. Others would need a proper federal security clearance and no conflict of interest, and they cannot be a Special Government Employee. They would also need at least one year of continuous civil service, complete privacy and cybersecurity training, and sign a written ethics agreement. This would make it harder for unauthorized people to see your health records.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

  • Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

    LA • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

  • Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

  • Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

  • Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/21/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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