H.R.2363 - Data Of Government health Entities must be Protected from Overreach by Unelected Nonsecure Disruption Act of 2025; DOGE POUND Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2363, also known as the DOGE POUND Act of 2025, aims to protect individually identifiable health information within government systems. It restricts access to these systems, primarily those maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill mandates specific eligibility criteria for individuals accessing such data, including background checks, security clearances, and ethics agreements.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely limit access to sensitive health data, potentially reducing the risk of unauthorized use or breaches. It could also create bureaucratic hurdles, slowing down legitimate data access for research or public health purposes. The legislation also establishes penalties for unauthorized access and mandates reporting on any such incidents.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced privacy of individual health information.
- Reduced risk of data breaches and misuse.
- Increased accountability for those accessing sensitive data.
- Strengthened cybersecurity measures within HHS.
- Improved public trust in government handling of health data.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in legitimate data access for research or public health initiatives.
- Increased administrative burden and costs for HHS.
- Possible difficulty in attracting qualified personnel due to stringent requirements.
- Risk of hindering data-driven healthcare improvements.
- May create a perception of excessive government control over health information.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on data protection aligns with the spirit of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. While the Constitution does not explicitly address data privacy, the principles of individual liberty and privacy are foundational. The bill's reporting requirements to Congress also align with the principle of government transparency and accountability.
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).