Dear Community Member,

One of my responsibilities as a United States Representative, part of a co-equal branch of government, is to serve as a check on the executive branch and investigate its actions. But it’s also to put forth real solutions to real problems. That’s why, today, my colleagues and I introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act which would safeguard Treasury systems from unauthorized access.

Recent reports revealed that Elon Musk’s DOGE team gained access to the Treasury Payments system. That breach is unacceptable and unlawful. It puts taxpayer data, financial integrity, and national security at risk, and I am using every lever available to push back. Our system of checks and balances is doing this through investigation, litigation, communication, mobilization, and yes, legislation.

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act would take decisive steps to fix this problem for the long term. It ensures only qualified individuals can access the Treasury system. That means they must:

• Hold a top-secret security clearance,
• Have no conflicts of interest,
• Not be Special Government Employees, and
• Have been a federal employee for at least one year.
  
  

Rep. Panetta speaks during a committee hearing
in the U.S. House of Representatives.

This bill also requires the Treasury Inspector General to investigate any unauthorized access, assess cybersecurity risks, and examine any interference with taxpayer payments. While we are in the minority, the majority is fractured and small. I will continue to press my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for progress on this bill in order to enact meaningful safeguards on Americans’ most sensitive data. 

The American people deserve secure systems and responsible governance. I will continue to do my job, holding the executive branch accountable and delivering legislative solutions that protect you.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California