Contact Congress about H.R. 3693: To prohibit the Federal Government from establishing or maintaining a database that contains data collected through, or facilitates, the biometric identity verification of a citizen of the United States, and for other purposes.

Federal agencies could not build or keep databases used to identify U.S. citizens by fingerprints, face scans, iris scans, or similar traits. The ban would also cover databases that help those checks work, even if they do not store the biometric data.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

To prohibit the Federal Government from establishing or maintaining a database that contains data collected through, or facilitates, the biometric identity verification of a citizen of the United States, and for other purposes. is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Latest action on H.R. 3693: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects federal agencies that use or manage biometric identity-check systems for U.S. citizens. It also affects citizens who may be asked to prove who they are when using federal services, entering secure places, or going through other federal checks. The bill could also affect contractors or technology vendors if they build or operate covered systems for the federal government.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it would limit federal use of biometric databases before those systems become more common in daily life. Biometrics can identify people very accurately, but they also create high privacy risks. If someone steals or misuses a fingerprint, face scan, or iris pattern, a person usually cannot replace it. The bill could protect citizens from large federal biometric databases, but it could also force changes to programs that use biometrics for security or fraud prevention.

Key provisions in H.R. 3693

• Federal agencies could not create or keep databases with biometric data used to check a U.S. citizen’s identity.
• The ban also reaches databases that help biometric ID checks work. This can include systems that do not store the biometric data themselves.
• Biometric identity verification means a computer matches a person using repeatable body or behavior traits.
• The bill specifically covers fingerprints, iris patterns, and facial features.
• The bill applies to U.S. citizens, as written.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 3693

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. 3693

What is H.R. 3693?

Federal agencies could not build or keep databases used to identify U.S. citizens by fingerprints, face scans, iris scans, or similar traits. The ban would also cover databases that help those checks work, even if they do not store the biometric data.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 3693?

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. 3693?

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. 3693 before I act?

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