DOGE and the Privacy Act

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been accessing government computer data systems that hold the personal data of every American. They have been hiding behind evasions and misrepresentations to avoid coming clean to the American people about the data they are collecting and what they are doing with it.

As Texas' 32nd Congressional District Representative to Congress, I believe that every American has the right to hold our government to account and to demand to know what data the government has about us. Filing a Privacy Act request is one method that may allow Americans to learn more about what data (if any) DOGE has obtained about them. The Privacy Act is a law that establishes how most federal agencies can collect, use, and disclose Americans’ personally identifiable information. The Privacy Act also allows Americans to view the records that applicable federal agencies have about them, upon their request.

I will continue to hold Elon Musk and DOGE to account and to defend the legal rights of all Americans to defend their privacy and establish the security of their private information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

How can I file my own Privacy Act request with DOGE?

If you are a constituent of Texas' 32nd Congressional District, I am happy to help you with issues you may be experiencing with federal agencies, including concerns about DOGE’s access to your personal data. Unlike most federal agencies, DOGE does not yet have a Privacy Act request form or instructions on its website.

Therefore, if you are a constituent of Texas' 32nd Congressional District seeking information about making a Privacy Act request to DOGE, please contact my office here. 

If you are not a constituent of Texas' 32nd Congressional District, then you must contact your own Member of Congress if you need assistance with a federal agency (including information about making a Privacy Act request).

Where can I learn more about the Privacy Act?

You can read more about the Privacy Act from the Congressional Research Service here.

Please note that Congressional offices cannot provide legal advice. If you would like to seek legal advice regarding the Privacy Act, or any other matter, please consider consulting with an attorney.