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Montana resolution urges federal action to protect residents digital privacy amid agency changes
Summary
House Resolution 3 asks Montanas congressional delegation and the president to address privacy concerns tied to the federal "Department of Government Efficiency," with testimony from tribal leaders and civil liberties advocates describing personnel cuts and cybersecurity risks.
Donovan Hawke introduced House Resolution 3, which asks Montanas federal delegation to seek protections for Montanans personally identifiable information in federal digital infrastructure. Hawke said constituents across the state are worried about recent federal reorganization and its implications for data privacy.
"This resolution basically just calls on our federal delegation to step up and protect Montana's data privacy from the Department of Government Efficiency," Hawke told the committee.
Patrick Yawaki, speaking for Blackfeet, Fort Belknap and Chippewa Cree communities, described cuts to tribal-support positions and said recent federal actions have harmed tribal services. "Tribal communities really know that a lot of these actions are done illegally, not upholding current federal laws and treaty rights," Yawaki said, urging support for HR 3.
Henry Seaton of the ACLU of Montana testified that data ownership should rest with individuals and that government access should require proper legal channels such as warrants. "Data should be accessed through proper legal channels like a warrant or through congressional approval," Seaton said, and he warned that administrative appointments by executive order can reduce oversight.
Members asked technical and drafting questions. Rep. Millett proposed amendments to clarify the resolution's recipients and suggested adding the U.S. president to the list because a congressional delegation alone cannot direct federal agency staffing. Sponsor Hawke said he was open to changes and to clarifying the title and recipients.
The committee concluded the HR 3 hearing after member questions and the sponsors closing remarks; no formal committee vote was recorded during the hearing.
