Ensure that individuals held at ports of entry have the right to consult with an attorney.
One policy goal, tracked across every bill that has carried it.
What’s happening with Access to Counsel Act of 2025?
The Access to Counsel Act of 2025, introduced as S. 391, has been in the Senate Judiciary Committee since February 3, 2025. The Senate Judiciary Committee must decide to hold a vote to move the bill forward, but most bills fail because committees do not take action on them. This bill follows a similar proposal from February 8, 2023, which did not advance before the legislative session ended.
Updated July 9, 2026 · Generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.
Where it stands
Now carried by Access to Counsel Act of 2025 (S. 391 (119th)) →
Legislative Progress
How we got here
Every bill that has carried this goal, oldest first.
Died with Congress · Jan 3, 2025
Died when the 118th Congress ended without final passage. Bills must be reintroduced under a new number to be revived.
Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from S. 342 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
S. 342 (118th) →
Vehicles
Who’s behind it
Alex Padilla (D-CA)Wrote and sponsored the current bill.