Duckworth, Durbin, Padilla, Schiff Introduce Legislation To Protect Regional National Archives Facilities From Closure

September 30, 2026 Duckworth, Durbin, Padilla, Schiff Introduce Legislation To Protect Regional National Archives Facilities From Closure The lawmakers introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in Chicago and San Bruno, California [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) along with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), today introduced the National Archives Protection Act , legislation that would require congressional approval before the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can close or significantly restrict access to existing regional facilities. In June 2026, NARA announced plans to close its regional archive facilities and co-located Federal Records Centers (FRC) in Chicago and San Bruno, California, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision has raised concerns from archivists, researchers and constituents about access to public records, many of which are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Chicago’s FRC houses more than 140,000 cubic feet of historical federal records from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, including federal court and naturalization records, immigration records, Native American and Bureau of Indian Affairs records, maritime records and other materials documenting the history of the Great Lakes region. The closure of Chicago’s FRC eliminates a regional access point serving six states, making it more difficult for Midwesterners and federal agencies to access the records that have yet to be digitized. “Our National Archives make it possible for families, researchers and communities across the Midwest to access records that tell the story of who we are and where we come from,” Duckworth said. “This Administration has already shown how willing it is to erase American stories, and closing regional facilities like Chicago’s Federal Records Center would put even more of our history out of reach. Congress must have a say to protect the public’s access to these critical records and ensure our history is not lost.” “Regional National Archives facilities, including Chicago’s Federal Record Center, ensure that Americans can access public and personal records without having to travel across the country. Closing these facilities without the oversight of Congress risks putting those records further out of reach for our communities,” Durbin said. “The National Archives Protection Act would ensure that these records, and the history they preserve, remain an accessible resource.” “Our National Archives are home to the immigration journeys, military service, and family histories of people across the West and the Pacific,” said Padilla. “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.” “The administration is threatening access to historical and irreplaceable records, including closing down one facility in California that is home to countless photos and family heirlooms. Congress must exercise its oversight power to save decades of regional and national history,” said Schiff. U.S. Representatives Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Judy Chu (D-CA-28) and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this year. -30- Print Tweet Previous Article