One Subject at a Time Act
One Subject at a Time Act
Plain Language Summary
# One Subject at a Time Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would require that each piece of legislation address only one topic, which must be clearly stated in the bill's title. Currently, Congress often passes "omnibus" bills—large packages that bundle together many unrelated policies. This bill would ban that practice. It would also prevent appropriations bills (which provide funding) from including new laws or policy changes unrelated to the funding purpose. If a law violates these rules, the entire law could be voided, or just the problematic provisions could be struck down. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would affect Congress, federal agencies, and potentially anyone affected by laws passed in violation of the requirements.
Citizens could sue the federal government if they believe a law they're dealing with didn't follow these rules. For example, if an appropriations bill included unrelated policy changes outside a subcommittee's jurisdiction, those provisions could be challenged in court. **Current Status** The bill (S. 59) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a floor vote yet. No action has been taken to move it forward.
CRS Official Summary
One Subject at a Time ActThis bill requires each bill or joint resolution to include no more than one subject and the subject to be clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title.Further, an appropriations bill may not contain any general legislation or change to existing law that is not germane to the subject of such bill.The bill voids an entire law or joint resolution that has a title which addresses two or more unrelated subjects. For noncompliant provisions of a law or joint resolution, the bill voids the specific noncompliant provisions. For example, this includes appropriation provisions that are outside of the relevant subcommittee's jurisdiction. Additionally, a person (individual or entity) who is aggrieved by the enforcement, or the attempted enforcement, of a law that passed without complying with this bill's requirements may sue the United States for appropriate relief.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.