CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO UPHOLD PRIVACY OF AMERICANS AND PROTECT AGAINST UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE BY ELON MUSK

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle took action to protect the American people following alarming reports that Elon Musk has been granted access to key data systems and sensitive personal records. By co-sponsoring the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, Rep. Morelle is fighting back against this latest harmful action by the Trump Administration and working to enact real policy solutions that keep our community safe.

“Since Day One, the Trump Administration has prioritized the wealthy elite over working class Americans. We cannot allow unelected and unaccountable billionaires like Elon Musk to seize control of our government and our personal information,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m co-sponsoring this legislation to keep families safe and provide the security and transparency they deserve. My colleagues and I will continue fighting back against the President’s repeated abuses of power in every way we can.”

In his first week leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk—who was not elected—gained full access to the federal government’s central payment system with no explanation or notification to millions of Americans about the potential threat to their sensitive data. This is a gross violation of privacy and yet another unlawful overreach by the Trump Administration. In response, House Democrats swiftly drafted legislation to address this abuse of power and protect the American people.

Specifically, the Taxpayer Data Protection Act would:

• Protect the nation’s payment system from reckless and unlawful interference.
• Ensure that anyone accessing the system has lawful authorization and
  • Has a reliable track-record of professional service
  • Has the necessary security clearance
  • Has made an ethics commitment and has no conflicts of interest
  • Has appropriate cyber security training
• Ensure that anyone who accesses the system with a personal financial conflict faces criminal penalties.

• Ensure that Congress and the public have notice of any unauthorized access and an assessment of any cyber and national security risks or interference with federal payments.

   

For more information, the full text of the Taxpayer Data Protection Act can be found here.