Bill in House aims to restrict robocalls to federal agencies

A measure introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas in the U.S. House seeks to enhance privacy by curbing unsolicited automated calls to federal government numbers, the U.S. Congress reports.

Filed as H.R.8120 on March 26, 2026, during the 119th Congress regular session, the legislation is summarized here based on a review of the bill’s actual language, incorporating clarification where necessary.

The act would update the Communications Act of 1934 to block the use of automated telephone systems for contacting phone numbers assigned to federal agencies or departments. Its focus is on devices that can repeatedly dial and exchange information without direct human involvement after starting, unless run by the person or group connected to the call’s information. The proposal is designed to strengthen the privacy of veterans and reduce unsolicited interactions with federal agencies. If passed, it would represent a move to reinforce privacy protections in federal communications.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas, Democrat of New Hampshire’s 1st District, with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of New Hampshire’s 2nd District, serving as co-sponsor.

Since the start of this session, Rep. Pappas has put forward 40 other bills.

Legislation in Congress can originate in either the House or the Senate, except for those dealing with revenue, which must be introduced in the House. Following introduction, bills are referred to committees for evaluation, hearings, modification and debate before advancing to a chamber-wide vote. Approval by both chambers requires identical language, after which the measure is sent to the president for signature or veto. Congress follows two-year terms, each subdivided into annual sessions, and legislative records are maintained and published on Congress.gov by the U.S. Congress.

Chris Pappas, a native of Manchester, New Hampshire, was born on June 4, 1980. He graduated from Harvard University in 2002 and has held numerous political roles, including a seat in the New Hampshire State House of Representatives (2003-2007), Hillsborough County treasurer (2007-2011), and service on the New Hampshire Executive Council (2013-2019), before joining the U.S. Congress in 2019.

Information reported in this article is from the U.S. Congress. Source records are available here.