Plain Language in Contracting Act
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Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
ID: L000598
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
June 4, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
📍 Current Status
Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
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1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the underlying disease.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Plain Language in Contracting Act (HR 787) claims to promote clarity and accessibility in government contracting notices for small businesses. How noble. In reality, this bill is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, attempting to mask the symptoms of bureaucratic incompetence and cronyism.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill requires federal agencies to write notices in "plain language" (whatever that means) and include key words for small businesses to easily identify contract opportunities. Oh, wow. What a revolutionary concept. The real change is the creation of more red tape and administrative burdens on already overworked agency staff.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Small business concerns, federal agencies, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) are all supposedly impacted by this bill. But let's be real – the only ones who will truly benefit are the lawyers and consultants who will cash in on the new regulations and "plain language" requirements.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic example of "legislative placebo effect." It creates the illusion of action while doing nothing to address the underlying issues plaguing government contracting. The real impact will be:
* Increased bureaucracy and costs for federal agencies * More opportunities for cronyism and favoritism in contract awards * A continued lack of transparency and accountability in government contracting
The "no additional funds authorized" provision is a joke, as it simply means the SBA will have to divert existing resources to implement this bill's requirements. It's like trying to treat a patient with a broken leg by giving them a Band-Aid and telling them to hop on one foot.
In conclusion, HR 787 is a symptom of a deeper disease: the inability of Congress to address real problems and instead opting for feel-good legislation that accomplishes nothing. This bill is a waste of time, money, and resources – a perfect example of legislative malpractice.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 3 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45]
ID: T000491
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
ID: T000488
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]
ID: G000604
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
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Total contributions: $173,100
Top Donors - Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
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