WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

For you

People who follow government

What our breakdowns say each bill would mean for you, from groups whose heading contains follow, want to know, want to see, records, files, federal service, FBI or public TV. Newest official action first.

15 bills81 points

S. 766

Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025

Latest official action Oct 7, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you want to know how your tax money is spent

A yearly public list of federal projects far over budget or behind schedule

  • The list will be posted on the budget office's website every year.
    2The Director shall submit to Congress and post on the website of the Office of Management and Budget an annual report[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(2)
  • It shows where each project is, so you can look for ones near you.
    2each location in which the covered project is carried out[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(A)(ii)
  • It compares the first cost and finish date with the current ones.
    2the original expected date for completion of the covered project[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(C)the current expected date for completion of the covered project[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(D)the original cost estimate for the covered project, as adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(E)the current cost estimate for the covered project, as adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(F)
  • It also says why the project slipped, including if Congress was late with money.
    2an explanation for a delay in completion or an increase in the original cost estimate for the covered project[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(G)including, where applicable, any impact of insufficient or delayed appropriations[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2(b)(1)(G)

Read the full breakdown of S. 766

H.R. 7008

Stop Insider Trading Act

Latest official action Sep 30, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you want to know how members of Congress trade

You could see planned stock sales before they happen

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 7008

H.Con.Res. 89

Removing U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran

Latest official action Sep 24, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you want to know who decides on war

What a 1973 law says about pulling forces out

Read the full breakdown of H.Con.Res. 89

H.R. 6500

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

Latest official action Sep 2, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you use federal services

Agencies stay funded through December 11, 2026

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 6500

H.R. 7266

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act

Latest official action Jul 13, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you care about government records

Less of this program would be public

  • Facts shared in the program would be kept from public-records requests.
    3Information shared by or with the Federal Government or a State, Tribal, or local government under the Program shall be deemed voluntarily shared information and exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5[3] Engrossed in House (June 29, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted 40124(e)or any provision of any State, Tribal, or local freedom of information law, open government law, open meetings law, open records law, sunshine law, or similar law[3] Engrossed in House (June 29, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted 40124(e)

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 7266

S. 872

Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025

Latest official action Jun 15, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you want to see how your tax money is spent

More federal deals on the public website

Read the full breakdown of S. 872

S. 4465

Extension of authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978

Latest official action Apr 30, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you care about FBI searches of this data

The search rules did not change

  • Under the rules this law left in place, before the FBI searched raw section 702 data using a term tied to a U.S. person, its staff needed approval from an FBI supervisor or an authorized attorney.
    9Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel must obtain prior approval from a Federal Bureau of Investigation supervisor (or employee of equivalent or greater rank) or attorney[9] 50 U.S.C. 1881a (section 702 of FISA), U.S. Code, 2024 edition · (f)(3)(A)(i)for any query of such unminimized contents or noncontents made using a United States person query term[9] 50 U.S.C. 1881a (section 702 of FISA), U.S. Code, 2024 edition · (f)(3)(A)(i)
  • They could skip that step only if they reasonably believed the search could help stop a threat to life or serious bodily harm.
    9may be conducted without obtaining prior approval as specified in clause (i) only if the person conducting the United States person query has a reasonable belief that conducting the query could assist in mitigating or eliminating a threat to life or serious bodily harm[9] 50 U.S.C. 1881a (section 702 of FISA), U.S. Code, 2024 edition · (f)(3)(A)(ii)
  • The FBI could not run searches meant only to find evidence of a crime, with some exceptions.
    9shall prohibit queries of information acquired under subsection (a) that are solely designed to find and extract evidence of criminal activity[9] 50 U.S.C. 1881a (section 702 of FISA), U.S. Code, 2024 edition · (f)(2)(A)The restriction under subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a query if[9] 50 U.S.C. 1881a (section 702 of FISA), U.S. Code, 2024 edition · (f)(2)(B)
  • This law did not change any of that. It did not add a need for a judge's warrant.
    4in paragraph (1) (50 U.S.C. 1881 note), by striking April 30, 2026 and inserting June 12, 2026[4] S. 4465 as enrolled and signed into law · Sec. 1(a)(1)in paragraph (2) (18 U.S.C. 2511 note), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking April 30, 2026 and inserting June 12, 2026[4] S. 4465 as enrolled and signed into law · Sec. 1(a)(2)The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the earlier of the date of the enactment of this Act or April 29, 2026.[4] S. 4465 as enrolled and signed into law · Sec. 1(b)

If you follow what Congress does on surveillance

This was a short stopgap

Read the full breakdown of S. 4465

H.J.Res. 72

Ending the Canada national emergency of February 1, 2025

Latest official action Feb 12, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you follow how emergency powers work

Congress can end an emergency only through a law

Read the full breakdown of H.J.Res. 72

H.R. 7148

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

Latest official action Feb 3, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you follow the federal budget

Spending set for the rest of the year

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 7148

S. 856

Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

Latest official action Dec 17, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you want to know who is trying to sway Congress

Public lobbying records would show foreign governments steering the work

  • A lobbyist's public registration would list each foreign government or party taking part in planning or controlling the lobbying.
    2,6Each registration under this section shall contain[6] 2 U.S.C. 1603, Registration of lobbyists (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (b)the name and address of each government of a foreign country (including any agency or subdivision of a government of a foreign country, such as a regional or municipal unit of government) and foreign political party, other than the client, that participates in the direction, planning, supervision, or control of any lobbying activities of the registrant[2] Engrossed in Senate (December 16, 2025) · Sec. 2(2) → inserted (8)
  • City and regional governments abroad would count too.
    2such as a regional or municipal unit of government[2] Engrossed in Senate (December 16, 2025) · Sec. 2(2) → inserted (8)

Read the full breakdown of S. 856

H.R. 4405

Epstein Files Transparency Act

Latest official action Nov 19, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you want to see the records

They must be public, in a form you can search

If your name is in the files

Embarrassment is not a reason to keep it out

  • A file cannot be held back just because it would embarrass someone.
    5No record shall be withheld, delayed, or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(1)
  • It also cannot be held back to guard a reputation. Political sensitivity is not a reason either.
    5No record shall be withheld, delayed, or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(1)
  • That is true even for officials, public figures, and foreign dignitaries.
    5including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(1)
  • Congress must get a list of every government official named or referenced in the files that are released.
    5Within 15 days of completion of the release required under Section 2, the Attorney General shall submit to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary a report listing[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3A list of all government officials and politically exposed persons named or referenced in the released materials, with no redactions permitted under subsection (b)(1).[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(3)
  • The list must also include politically exposed persons. The law does not define that term.
    5A list of all government officials and politically exposed persons named or referenced in the released materials, with no redactions permitted under subsection (b)(1).[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(3)
  • The law says the list comes "with no redactions permitted under subsection (b)(1)."
    5A list of all government officials and politically exposed persons named or referenced in the released materials, with no redactions permitted under subsection (b)(1).[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(3)
  • Subsection (b)(1) is the rule described above.
    5A list of all government officials and politically exposed persons named or referenced in the released materials, with no redactions permitted under subsection (b)(1).[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(3)No record shall be withheld, delayed, or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity[5] H.R. 4405 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(1)

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 4405

H.R. 5371

Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026

Latest official action Nov 12, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you use any federal service

Agencies reopened, mostly at last year's funding rate

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 5371

H.R. 4

Rescissions Act of 2025

Latest official action Jul 24, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you watch or listen to public TV or radio

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting loses its federal money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027

If you work on or follow U.S. aid abroad

Several aid accounts lose money, but the law shields some programs

  • Global health aid loses $500,000,000. None of that cut may come from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, or maternal and child health.
    4$500,000,000 are rescinded: Provided, That none of the amounts rescinded under this paragraph shall be from the unobligated balances for the following programs: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Nutrition, or Maternal and Child Health[4] H.R. 4 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(5)
  • Family planning and reproductive health programs do not get that shield.
    4Provided further, That the preceding proviso does not apply to family planning and reproductive health programs.[4] H.R. 4 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(5)
  • The $1,650,000,000 cut to the Economic Support Fund may not come from aid to Jordan or Egypt, or from the Countering PRC Influence Fund (PRC means China).
    4$1,650,000,000 are rescinded: Provided, That none of the funds rescinded under this paragraph shall be from the unobligated balances for assistance to Jordan, Egypt, or the Countering PRC Influence Fund.[4] H.R. 4 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(9)
  • Disaster aid loses $496,000,000, and refugee aid loses $800,000,000.
    4International Disaster Assistance made available by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (division A of Public Law 119–4), $496,000,000 are rescinded[4] H.R. 4 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(14)Migration and Refugee Assistance made available by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (division A of Public Law 119–4), $800,000,000 are rescinded.[4] H.R. 4 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(6)
  • Each of these aid cuts comes from money that had not yet been committed, which the law calls unobligated balances.
    4Of the unobligated balances under the heading International Organizations—Contributions to International Organizations[4] H.R. 4 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(b)(1)

If you follow the federal budget

The cuts equal about one-tenth of 1 percent of federal spending, by Senate Majority Leader John Thune's count

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 4

H.R. 2384

Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025

Latest official action Jul 22, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you want to know what the government finds

A public report on crypto and sanctions

  • Within 180 days, the President must report on how crypto is used to dodge sanctions and fund terrorism, with a plan to stop it.
    3Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President, acting through the Secretary of the Treasury[3] Engrossed in House (July 21, 2025) · Sec. 3(a)(1)the potential uses of digital assets and other related emerging technologies by States, non-State actors, foreign terrorist organizations, and other terrorist groups to evade sanctions, finance terrorism, or launder monetary instruments[3] Engrossed in House (July 21, 2025) · Sec. 3(a)(1)(A)a strategy for the United States to mitigate and prevent the illicit use of digital assets and other related emerging technologies[3] Engrossed in House (July 21, 2025) · Sec. 3(a)(1)(B)
  • The unclassified part must be posted online by the Treasury.
    3The unclassified portion of each report required by paragraph (1) shall be made available to the public and posted on a publicly accessible website of the Department of the Treasury[3] Engrossed in House (July 21, 2025) · Sec. 3(a)(2)(B)

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 2384

H.R. 973

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

Latest official action Apr 29, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you want to know whether the rules work

Congress would get a report on battery fires

  • Within 5 years after the bill becomes law, the agency must report to the House and Senate commerce committees on fires, explosions, and other dangers from these batteries.
    2Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(1)the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(1)a report regarding fires, explosions, and other hazards relating to lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility products during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the report date[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(1)
  • The report must at least say where the agency's facts came from. Where known, it must also give the make and model of the battery and the product. It must also give the battery's maker and country, and whether it met the standard, where known.
    2The report required by paragraph (1) shall describe, at a minimum[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(2)the source of the information that was provided to the Commission regarding the fire, explosion, or other hazard[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(2)(A)the make and model of the lithium-ion battery and micromobility product that resulted in a fire, explosion, or other hazard, if known[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(2)(B)whether a lithium-ion battery involved in a fire, explosion, or other hazard complied with the standard required by this section, if known[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(2)(C)if known, the manufacturer and country of manufacture of a lithium-ion battery that resulted in a fire, explosion, or other hazard[2] H.R. 973 as passed by the House (April 28, 2025) · Sec. 2(e)(2)(D)

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 973

Breakdowns marked “Drafted by AI” passed our automatic checks and are waiting for human review, as shown on each bill page.