WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 856 · 119th Congress

Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

Passed HouseGovernment Operations and Politics
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Passed HouseMar 3, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Mar 4, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The House passed it 417–0. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 856 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Mar 4, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Review to determine the impact of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process on national security
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

    This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to evaluate the procurement activities of federal agencies to determine whether provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation related to the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process have created any national security risk and report to Congress.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 31, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Mar 4, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
    2. Mar 3, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Mar 3, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 0 (Roll no. 54). (text: CR H932) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Mar 3, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 0 (Roll no. 54). (text: CR H932) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Mar 3, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H937-938)House floor actions
    6. Mar 3, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    7. Mar 3, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 856.House floor actions
    8. Mar 3, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H932-933)House floor actions
    9. Mar 3, 2025Mr. Comer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    10. Jan 31, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.House floor actions
    11. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    12. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Mar 3, 2025 · HousePassed 417–0
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
      R 211 yes, 0 noD 206 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Rep. Gerald E. Connolly D-VA-11