H.R. 6028: Bill shifts appointment of top library and copyright officials from President to Congress

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jun 12, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 15, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

Changes the Librarian of Congress and GPO Director from presidential appointments (with Senate confirmation) to appointments by a bipartisan congressional commission
Moves the Register of Copyrights appointment from the Librarian to the President, requiring Senate confirmation and joint committee recommendations of three candidates
Limits the Register of Copyrights term to 10 years with possible reappointment
Makes the Register of Copyrights independent from Library of Congress oversight, transferring supervisory authority directly to the Register
Establishes an Office of Inspector General within the Copyright Office to conduct audits and investigations

02 — The Stakes

Removal of the Librarian of Congress and GPO Director now requires a majority vote of majority and minority leaders from both chambers, rather than presidential authority
The Register of Copyrights gains authority to appoint the Copyright Royalty Board's administrative judges, previously a Librarian function
GPO must establish a human capital management system meeting requirements outlined in the bill
Effects of these structural changes on agency operations or decision-making are not quantified in the official summary

03 — The Path

Legislative History

Jun 9, 2026 — Received in the Senate.
Jun 8, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jun 8, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3938-3942)
Jun 8, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3938-3942)
Jun 8, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6028.
Jun 8, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3938-3943)
Jun 8, 2026 — Mr. Griffith moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Jun 8, 2026 — Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-689, Part I.