# Plain Language Summary: One Subject at a Time Act

Right now, Congress often passes bills that bundle together many different topics into one package. For example, a bill might fund the military, change tax rules, and regulate environmental standards all in the same legislation. This bill would stop that practice by requiring that every bill passed by Congress deal with only one subject.

The bill sets up three main rules. First, each bill can only cover one topic. Second, whatever that topic is must be clearly stated in the bill's title so anyone reading it knows what's inside. Third, for spending bills specifically, Congress can't sneak in new laws or policy changes that don't relate to the money being spent. So if a bill is about funding the military, you couldn't hide a new environmental regulation inside it.

To enforce these rules, the bill creates real consequences. If a bill's title mentions two unrelated subjects, the entire bill becomes void and unenforceable. If a bill's title describes one subject but the actual bill contains provisions about something different, only those unrelated provisions get thrown out. The bill also lets anyone who's harmed by a law passed this way, or any member of Congress, take the government to court to challenge it. Courts would review these cases from scratch without giving any deference to Congress's judgment.

The practical effect would be significant: Congress would have to break apart many of the large spending packages and policy bundles it currently passes, forcing separate votes on each topic. Supporters argue this would make legislation more transparent and force lawmakers to take clear positions on individual issues. Critics worry it could make it harder to pass necessary legislation and might lead to more court battles over what counts as "one subject."

One Subject at a Time Act

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

One Subject at a Time Act This 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. 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 measures or provisions noncompliant with these requirements, including appropriation provisions outside the relevant subcommittee's jurisdiction.