Contact Congress about H.R. 2604: Protecting Data at the Border Act

Border officers would usually need a warrant before searching a U.S. person’s phone, laptop, or online account. Refusing to unlock a device could not be used to deny entry or exit, and unlawful data could not usually be used in court or immigration cases.

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Protecting Data at the Border Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Latest action on H.R. 2604: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects U.S. persons who cross the U.S. border with phones, laptops, tablets, or online accounts that officers may want to search. It also affects border officers, because it tells them when they need a warrant, when consent counts, and when they may seize a device. It could also affect prosecutors, immigration officials, and courts because unlawfully collected digital data would usually be blocked from official proceedings.

Why this matters: Phones and online accounts can hold years of private messages, photos, location history, work files, and health or financial details. This bill would make border searches of that digital data follow clearer rules for U.S. persons. It could reduce pressure on travelers to hand over passwords. It could also limit how the government uses data gathered outside those rules.

Key provisions in H.R. 2604

• Border officers would usually need a court warrant before searching a U.S. person’s digital data at the border. The warrant must come from a court and be based on probable cause, with only narrow exceptions.
• A U.S. person could not be denied entry to or exit from the United States for refusing device or account access. That includes refusing to unlock a device, share passwords, open digital files, or give online account information.
• Officers could delay someone over an access request only for the shortest time needed to ask for consent. The delay could not last more than four hours.
• Officers could search digital contents without a warrant only in limited emergencies. Those emergencies include immediate danger of death or serious injury, certain national security threats, or organized crime, and an officer must seek a warrant within seven days.
• If a court does not approve the warrant after an emergency search, the government must destroy the data. It also cannot share the data or anything learned from it, and it must notify the affected person.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 2604

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 2604

What is H.R. 2604?

Border officers would usually need a warrant before searching a U.S. person’s phone, laptop, or online account. Refusing to unlock a device could not be used to deny entry or exit, and unlawful data could not usually be used in court or immigration cases.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 2604?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 2604?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 2604 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.