Sponsors
The bill increases transparency and prevents hidden policy riders by enforcing single‑subject, clearly titled appropriations, but it raises the risk of increased litigation, possible invalidation or disruption of laws and funding, slower legislative action, and a shift of dispute‑resolution power toward the courts.
Taxpayers, state and local governments: appropriations bills will be less likely to carry unrelated policy riders, improving transparency about how taxpayer funds are spent and reducing hidden policy changes.
Members of Congress, federal staff, and citizens: bills will be more focused and easier to read and understand, making legislation more accessible to the public and congressional staff.
State governments and federal agencies: clearer, single‑subject titles make it easier to track funding conditions and compliance tied to appropriations.
Programs, beneficiaries, and taxpayers: courts could invalidate entire laws because of title defects, creating legal uncertainty for programs, contracts, and individuals who rely on enacted statutes.
State and local governments, federal employees: appropriations and services could be disrupted if provisions are voided after enactment, delaying funding and implementation of programs.
Taxpayers and the judicial system: allowing many private parties and Members to sue over titles will increase litigation, raise legal costs for parties and the government, and increase judicial workload.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires each federal bill or joint resolution to address only one clearly described subject; noncompliant titles or provisions can be voided and challenged in court.
Introduced January 9, 2025 by Rand Paul · Last progress January 9, 2025
Requires every bill or joint resolution passed by Congress to deal with only one subject, and for that subject to be clearly described in the bill’s title. If a law’s title covers multiple unrelated subjects or the law contains provisions not clearly described in the title, those parts (or the whole law) are void. Appropriations bills are barred from carrying non-germane general legislation, with limited exceptions for controls on how the appropriated funds are spent. Creates a private right of action so any person harmed by a law that violates these rules — and any Member of Congress harmed by their chamber’s failure to follow the rules — can sue for relief in federal court; courts must review those suits anew (de novo) and may issue injunctions without any minimum amount in controversy.