The American Bill Book

The state could give away federal forest land to developers, limiting public recreation and shifting benefits to businesses.

Citizens could lose access to forest land and see more logging or mining, while companies gain new property to profit from, so people should watch this bill closely.

Forestry

• Accountability (hurts) — Limited oversight on how land will be used after transfer.. No clear mechanisms for public input.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Public right to enjoy forest land may be reduced.. No safeguards for recreation access.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost of lost public land falls on taxpayers.. Potential environmental and social costs not quantified.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Bill has been reported favorably, but details are sparse.. Limited public disclosure of intended uses.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No specific funding provisions mentioned.. Financial impact unclear.

• Official text (US HB3937)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3937/all-info
• LegiScan — HB3937https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB3937/2025

The bill would stop a new rule that would make signing up for Medicaid and CHIP faster, keeping the current slower process.

Citizens could keep waiting longer for health coverage, while insurers and administrators avoid the cost of updating their systems; now is the time to speak up before the rule is blocked.

Big Business

• Accountability (hurts) — Blocks a rule that could improve oversight of enrollment processes.. Reduces potential accountability improvements.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Stops a rule that would make it easier for people to get Medicaid.. Limits a right to simpler enrollment.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No clear cost shift mentioned in the bill.. Cost impact unclear.
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Keeps existing enrollment process, which may be less transparent.. Reduces transparency improvements.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes are specified.. Neutral funding effect.

• Official text (US HB2445)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2445/all-info
• LegiScan — HB2445https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB2445/2025

The bill would let people whose faith opposes insurance get a credit or refund on their Social Security and Medicare taxes, lowering what they pay.

If passed, religious families could pay less into Social Security, which could shrink the pool that funds retirees and disabled people. That means other workers might end up shouldering a bigger share of the program’s costs.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — neutral. Bill does not change oversight or reporting requirements
• Rights & Protections (helps) — positive for religious employees. Expands right for certain faith groups to avoid paying insurance taxes
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — negative. Tax credits reduce revenue, shifting cost to other taxpayers
• Process Transparency (neutral) — neutral. Bill is only at introduction stage, no special transparency measures
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — negative. Reduces federal funding for Social Security and Medicare programs

• Official text (US HB4389)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4389/all-info
• LegiScan — HB4389https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB4389/2025

The bill would tell the government to make a plan that gets other countries to join U.S. weapons sales.

Citizens should watch because the plan could increase U.S. military spending and tie taxpayer money to foreign conflicts, while giving defense firms more profit.

Defense contractors

• Accountability (hurts) — strategy may limit oversight. Bill pushes for sales without extra reporting
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no direct impact on personal rights. does not change citizen legal rights
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — taxpayers may fund more sales. increased defense spending falls on public budget
• Process Transparency (hurts) — fast‑track in House. passed by voice vote, limited debate
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding specified. bill does not allocate money

• Official text (US HB8665)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8665/all-info
• LegiScan — HB8665https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB8665/2025

This bill would make schools ask parents before changing a child's name or gender on school forms, which could limit kids' rights.

If this bill passes, it could make it harder for kids to express their true selves at school. Parents would have more control, but kids might feel less supported.

Everyday People

• Accountability (hurts) — Limits school flexibility. Schools may struggle to support students without parental consent.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Restricts students' rights. Could prevent students from being recognized by their chosen name or gender.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Unknown impact on costs. Not clear who will bear costs of implementing these changes.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Public awareness needed. Parents will have a say, but transparency on school actions may decrease.

• Official text (US HB2616)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2616/all-info
• LegiScan — HB2616https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB2616/2025

Courts would have to follow new rules before they can name a monitor to watch over a company or program.

Citizens could lose a watchdog that checks big companies, making it harder to catch problems, while businesses may save money and avoid extra oversight.

Big Business

• Accountability (hurts) — Limits ability to add monitors. New conditions could make it harder to appoint watchdogs.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Reduces oversight. Fewer monitors may mean less protection for the public.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts cost to businesses. Companies may avoid paying for monitor fees.
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Less open process. New rules could limit public insight into monitor appointments.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding. Bill does not create or change funding sources.

• Official text (US HB8365)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8365/all-info
• LegiScan — HB8365https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB8365/2025

This bill would change how the Department of Homeland Security connects with people and groups.

Citizens should pay attention to this bill because it might change how they interact with government offices.

Government Power

• Accountability (neutral) — The bill does not clearly define how it will hold the office accountable.. Unknown
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — The bill does not directly impact individual rights.. Unknown
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — The cost of the reorganization is not specified.. Unknown
• Process Transparency (neutral) — The process for the changes is not clearly outlined.. Unknown

• Official text (US HB7574)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7574/all-info
• LegiScan — HB7574https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB7574/2025

The Treasury would stop making pennies and all cash deals would be rounded to the nearest five cents, changing how you pay.

Consumers may lose a few cents on each purchase, while the government saves money on minting; now is the time to speak up before rounding becomes law.

Government Power

• Accountability (hurts) — . Reduces oversight of penny production.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — . Removes exact‑change right for cash buyers.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — . Consumers pay rounding differences.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — . No major change to legislative openness.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — . Saves Treasury money on minting pennies.

• Official text (US HB3074)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3074/all-info
• LegiScan — HB3074https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB3074/2025

This bill would change how the government thinks about money and safety for the country.

It is important to watch this bill because it could change how our economy and safety are linked. Citizens should pay attention to how it might affect them.

• Accountability (neutral) — The bill does not clearly state how it will hold parties accountable.. Unknown
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — The bill does not provide specific rights or protections.. Unknown
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — It is unclear who will bear the costs of these changes.. Unknown
• Process Transparency (neutral) — The bill lacks transparency in its processes.. Unknown
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — The funding details are not provided.. Unknown

• Official text (US HB5248)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5248/all-info
• LegiScan — HB5248https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB5248/2025

This bill would help the U.S. secure energy and minerals from other countries, which could affect prices and availability for everyone.

If this bill passes, it could change how we get energy and minerals. It's important for people to know how it might impact prices and jobs.

• Accountability (neutral) — No clear accountability measures are outlined.. The bill does not specify how investments will be monitored.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on rights.. The bill does not address individual rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are unclear.. It is unknown who will bear the costs of these investments.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Limited transparency in the process.. The bill lacks details on how decisions will be made.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Funding sources are not specified.. The bill does not clarify how it will be funded.

• Official text (US HB7037)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7037/all-info
• LegiScan — HB7037https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB7037/2025

This bill would make General Marshall's old house a part of the National Park System, helping to keep history alive for everyone.

This bill would help save an important historical place for all to visit and learn from. It does not take away anyone's rights or make people pay more money. It is a good step to protect history for kids in the future.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Helps preserve history. Designating the house as an affiliated area would ensure its preservation and public access, making the government accountable for its upkeep.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects historical site. This bill does not erode any rights and instead helps protect a historical site for public benefit.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Federal government would manage. The bill designates the house as an affiliated area, meaning the federal government would likely take on management and preservation costs, not individual citizens directly.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. The bill has followed the usual steps, passing the House and moving to the Senate.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Federal funds for preservation. While not explicitly stated, affiliation with the National Park System implies federal funding for preservation and maintenance, benefiting the public.

Pushing for it: The public and historical preservation efforts
Bearing the cost: No specific group or individual

• Official text (US HB1352)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1352/all-info
• LegiScan — HB1352https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB1352/2025

This bill would make the government study if a new long walking trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail, can become a national scenic trail for everyone to enjoy.

This bill is about studying a new national trail. If the study says it is a good idea, it could mean more places for people to hike and enjoy nature. It is a chance to make a special trail part of a bigger system for future generations. Right now, it is moving through Congress, so people can still tell their lawmakers if they want more national trails.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Promotes public good. Directs a study for a potential national scenic trail, increasing public access to nature.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Enhances public access. The bill would study adding a trail to the National Trails System, which could expand public recreational opportunities.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Public investment. The cost of the study would be covered by the government, not shifted to private citizens or consumers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard process. The bill went through debate in the House and passed by voice vote, following standard legislative procedures.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Public benefit spending. Any funding for the study would be for a public benefit, exploring a new national scenic trail.

Pushing for it: The public, hikers, nature lovers
Bearing the cost: Taxpayers

• Official text (US HB2768)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2768/all-info
• LegiScan — HB2768https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB2768/2025

This bill would give land and a reservoir from the national forest to the city of Ouray, Colorado, which could help with their water supply.

This bill would let the city of Ouray, Colorado, own land and a reservoir currently managed by the Forest Service. This could help the city manage its water better for its people. Some might worry about giving away federal land, but this transfer is specifically for a city's use. Citizens in Ouray might want to support this to ensure their city has control over important resources.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. The bill is a land transfer, not directly impacting accountability for actions or harms.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — Neutral. The bill does not appear to add or remove any specific rights or protections for ordinary people.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Neutral. The bill conveys federal land to a city, which is a transfer of assets rather than a direct cost shift onto consumers or taxpayers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Neutral. The bill passed the House by voice vote after debate, suggesting a standard legislative process.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Benefits local government. The City of Ouray would gain ownership of land and a reservoir, which is a significant asset for local infrastructure.

Pushing for it: City of Ouray, Colorado
Bearing the cost: US Forest Service (federal government)

• Official text (US HB5911)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5911/all-info
• LegiScan — HB5911https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB5911/2025

This bill would keep clean water flowing to homes on the Fort Peck Reservation, which helps families stay healthy and safe.

This bill is important because it makes sure that people living on the Fort Peck Reservation continue to have access to clean, safe water. Without this bill, the program that helps run their water system might stop, which could make it harder for families to get the water they need for drinking, bathing, and cooking. It is good that lawmakers are working to keep this vital service going for the community.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Maintains existing system accountability.. The bill reauthorizes an existing act, which means it continues the current system of accountability for the water system.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects access to essential services.. By reauthorizing the water system, the bill helps protect the right of people on the Fort Peck Reservation to access clean and safe drinking water.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Continues existing funding structure.. The bill reauthorizes an existing act, implying a continuation of its established funding mechanisms without specifying new cost shifts.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Follows standard legislative process.. The bill has moved through the House and is now in the Senate, following the normal steps for a bill to become law.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Supports a vital public service.. The reauthorization of a rural water system directs federal funds towards a critical infrastructure project that benefits a specific community's health and well-being.

Pushing for it: Fort Peck Reservation
Bearing the cost: Federal taxpayers (general funding)

• Official text (US HB7250)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7250/all-info
• LegiScan — HB7250https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB7250/2025

This bill would give land in California to the Pechanga Band of Indians, letting them manage it for their people.

This bill would help the Pechanga Band of Indians by officially putting certain land in California into a trust for them. This means the tribe would have more control over their own land, which can help them build homes, businesses, and keep their culture strong. It is a step toward helping the tribe govern itself and make decisions about its future. People who care about Native American rights and self-governance should pay attention to this bill as it moves through the Senate.

Native tribes

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral impact on accountability.. The bill focuses on land transfer and does not directly change accountability for powerful entities or individuals.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Strengthens tribal rights.. Placing land in trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians supports their self-governance and land rights, which is a positive protection for the tribe.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No explicit cost shift mentioned.. The bill's text does not detail any specific costs being shifted onto ordinary people or other groups.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process.. The bill has gone through debate and a vote in the House and is now in a Senate committee, following standard legislative procedures.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No specific funding mentioned.. The bill's text does not mention any specific funding or financial allocations.

Pushing for it: Pechanga Band of Indians
Bearing the cost: No specific group mentioned

• Official text (US HB5682)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5682/all-info
• LegiScan — HB5682https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB5682/2025

This bill would let two Native American tribes lease their land for up to 99 years, giving them more control and helping their communities grow.

This bill would help Native American tribes manage their land better. It would let them lease land for a much longer time, up to 99 years. This means tribes can make bigger plans for homes, businesses, and other projects on their land. It helps them build a stronger future for their people. People should care because it gives tribes more power over their own property, which is a good step for self-rule.

Big Business

• Accountability (helps) — Gives tribes more control over their land leases.. The bill would allow the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their trust lands for up to 99 years, rather than shorter terms, increasing their ability to manage their own resources.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Strengthens tribal property rights.. By extending the maximum lease term to 99 years, the bill would give the tribes greater flexibility and control over their land, improving their ability to plan for long-term development and economic growth.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No direct cost shift mentioned.. The official text does not indicate a shift in costs to ordinary people or specific entities; it primarily concerns the duration of land leases.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No specific transparency changes.. The bill's text does not address changes to process transparency.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes mentioned.. The bill does not include provisions for funding or financial appropriations.

Pushing for it: Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
Bearing the cost: No clear 'against' party with financial impact mentioned.

• Official text (US HB681)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/681/all-info
• LegiScan — HB681https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB681/2025

This bill would let veterans use their school money for truck driving training programs that cross state lines, helping them get good jobs.

This bill is good because it would make it easier for veterans to get training for truck driving jobs. Right now, some training programs might not be approved if they operate in more than one state, even if they are good programs. This bill would fix that, letting veterans use their existing education money for these programs. It would help them find stable work after serving our country. Since it has passed one part of Congress, it is important to know about it as it moves to the next step.

Trucking

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. The bill does not directly address accountability for bad actors or government oversight beyond the VA's approval process.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps veterans access benefits. This bill would expand how veterans can use their education money, making it easier for them to get job training.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No new costs, just re-allocation. The bill would allow existing veterans' education funds to be used for a new type of program, not create new spending.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Neutral. The bill does not change how transparent government processes are.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Helps veterans use existing funds. It would make it easier for veterans to use their earned education benefits for specific job training.

Pushing for it: Veterans
Bearing the cost: No specific group

• Official text (US HB2954)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2954/all-info
• LegiScan — HB2954https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB2954/2025

This bill would give federal land in Washington state to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, helping them get their ancestral lands back.

This bill would give important federal land back to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. This helps the Tribe by giving them more control over their own lands and supporting their culture. If you believe in helping Native American tribes get their historical lands back, this bill is a good step. It is moving quickly through Congress, so now is the time to pay attention.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral impact. The bill focuses on land transfer and does not directly change accountability rules for ordinary people or powerful groups.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Restores tribal land rights. This bill would give land back to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, which helps restore their rights to ancestral lands and supports their self-governance.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Federal land transfer. The bill involves the transfer of federal land, not a direct cost shift onto ordinary people or consumers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. The bill has moved through the House and is now in the Senate, following typical legislative steps without signs of being rushed or hidden.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Benefits the Tribe. By transferring federal land to the Tribe, the bill provides a valuable resource that benefits the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

Pushing for it: Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
Bearing the cost: Federal government (land transfer)

• Official text (US HB2388)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2388/all-info
• LegiScan — HB2388https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB2388/2025

This bill would give federal land to the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, helping them control their own future.

This bill would help the Shingle Springs Miwok Indians by putting federal land in California into a special trust for them. This means the tribe would get to decide what happens on that land, which is important for their way of life and making their community stronger. Some people might wonder about how federal land is used, but this bill is about helping a Native American tribe manage its own resources. It is still moving through Congress, so it is not a law yet.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. The bill does not directly change accountability for ordinary people.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps a specific group. This bill would give the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians more control over land, which helps their rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Neutral. The federal government would transfer land, but no direct cost shift to regular people is stated.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard. The bill is moving through Congress in a regular way.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Benefits tribe. The land transfer is a benefit to the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.

Pushing for it: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
Bearing the cost: Federal government (control of land)

• Official text (US HB2302)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2302/all-info
• LegiScan — HB2302https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB2302/2025

This bill would help young people leaving foster care get better housing by making federal programs work together more smoothly.

This bill would make it easier for young people leaving foster care to find a place to live. It tries to fix problems between different government housing programs so they work better together. This is important because having a safe home helps these young people succeed as they become adults. If this bill passes, it could mean fewer young people from foster care end up without a home.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. The bill focuses on improving coordination, not on holding specific entities accountable for past actions.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps people. By improving access to housing assistance, the bill would strengthen protections for a vulnerable population.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Neutral. The bill aims to improve existing program efficiency, not to shift new costs or create new funding burdens.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Neutral. The bill passed the House by voice vote, indicating broad agreement, and no specific transparency issues are noted in the provided text.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Helps people. The bill aims to benefit youth who have experienced foster care by making federal housing assistance programs more effective for them.

Pushing for it: Youth who have experienced foster care
Bearing the cost: No specific group

• Official text (US HB7432)https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7432/all-info
• LegiScan — HB7432https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB7432/2025