Padilla, Schiff, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Protect Regional National Archives Facilities from Closure

The Senators introduced the legislation following the announced closure of Regional National Archives and Federal Records Centers in San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), 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 San Bruno, California and Chicago, Illinois, as well as relocate all temporary records from its Seattle facility. The decision 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. “Our National Archives are home to the immigration journeys, military service, and family histories of people across the West and the Pacific,” said Senator 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 Senator Schiff . “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,” said Senator Durbin . “The National Archives Protection Act would ensure that these records, and the history they preserve, remain an accessible resource.” “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,” said Senator Duckworth . “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.” The San Bruno facility specifically holds immigration, naval, geological, and tribal records from as far back as the 1850s that are integral to researchers in California, Nevada, Hawai’i, Guam, American Samoa, Navy bases in the Pacific, and the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Records within the holdings increase understanding of immigration history through Angel Island and the impacts of enforcement of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 . The original case file of United States v. Wong Kim Ark , which affirmed birthright citizenship as outlined in the 14th Amendment, is also one of the irreplaceable historical records in the records at San Bruno. U.S. Representatives Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year. ###