Of inquiry requesting the President of the United States to furnish certain information to the House of Representatives relating to the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to and usage of NUMIDENT and other personally identifiable information in the possession of the Social Security Administration.
Summary
This House Resolution is an inquiry directed to the President, requesting information regarding the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) access to and usage of NUMIDENT and other personally identifiable information held by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The resolution seeks details on communications, documents, and actions related to DOGE's handling of this sensitive data, particularly concerning potential misuse or unauthorized sharing.
The inquiry focuses on DOGE's interactions with non-governmental organizations, potential data sharing with the Department of Homeland Security, and the use of third-party servers for transmitting SSA information. It also addresses potential violations of laws, SSA policies, and court orders related to NUMIDENT data.
The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 11, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Expected Effects
If the resolution is adopted and the President complies, the House of Representatives would receive documents and information pertaining to the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) access to and usage of NUMIDENT and other personally identifiable information held by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
This could lead to increased transparency and potential investigations into whether DOGE misused or mishandled sensitive data. The information obtained could also inform future legislation or policy changes related to data privacy and government oversight.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding government access to and use of sensitive personal information.
- Potential exposure of misuse or unauthorized sharing of Social Security data.
- Strengthening of data privacy protections and government oversight mechanisms.
- Could lead to greater accountability for government agencies and individuals involved in data handling.
- Informing the public and policymakers about potential vulnerabilities in data security practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- The inquiry could be perceived as politically motivated, potentially undermining its credibility.
- Compliance with the resolution could be time-consuming and resource-intensive for the executive branch.
- The information obtained might be used to unfairly target individuals or organizations.
- The release of sensitive information, even in redacted form, could pose privacy risks.
- The inquiry may not uncover all relevant information if individuals or agencies are uncooperative.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with the principle of Congressional oversight, which is implied in Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, granting all legislative powers to Congress. The power of inquiry is essential for Congress to effectively legislate and hold the executive branch accountable.
The resolution also touches on potential privacy concerns, which, while not explicitly mentioned in the original Constitution, are reflected in the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and are further developed in modern jurisprudence regarding data privacy.
However, the resolution's alignment with the Constitution depends on whether the information requested is legitimately within the scope of Congressional oversight and does not unduly infringe on the executive branch's prerogatives.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).