# Senators Propose Chicago, San Bruno Archives Protections

U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth, Dick Durbin, Alex Padilla, and Adam Schiff introduced the National Archives Protection Act, which would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) closes or significantly restricts access to existing regional facilities. The proposal follows announced plans affecting facilities in Chicago and San Bruno and the planned relocation of temporary records in Seattle. It has not created a procurement commitment: no contract, funding amount, or solicitation is identified.

- Records-management, digitization, and records-relocation providers can assess whether their capabilities align with potential NARA facility transitions or efforts to preserve access to records; the proposal and agency plans do not establish a funded opportunity.
- Companies serving NARA should distinguish the proposed legislation from current requirements and track the bill’s progress alongside NARA’s announced facility plans, as both could affect the location and handling of federal records.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
- U.S. Senate

### Key Quotes
> Closing Federal Records Centers would cut researchers and communities off from our own past. I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin to maintain the public’s access to our nation’s historic documents.
> — Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [Duckworth, Durbin, Padilla, Schiff Introduce Legislation To Protect Regional National Archives Facilities From Closure | U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois](https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-padilla-schiff-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure) - Duckworth Senate
- [Padilla, Schiff, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Protect Regional National Archives Facilities from Closure - Senator Alex Padilla](https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-durbin-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-protect-regional-national-archives-facilities-from-closure/) - Padilla Senate