The Plain Record — Front Page

H.R. 35 — Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act

This bill creates federal criminal penalties for individuals who flee from law enforcement in a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border. The legislation targets those attempting to evade U.S. Border Patrol agents or other officers assisting them, imposing mandatory minimum prison sentences if the chase results in serious injury or death. Additionally, any non-U.S. national convicted of or admitting to this offense becomes ineligible for asylum, subject to deportation, and barred from entering the country. Introduced by Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), the bill has passed the House and is now under consideration by the Senate.

H.R. 1 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.

This law reduces federal spending and taxes while increasing the statutory debt limit. Specifically, it raises the work requirement age for "able-bodied" SNAP recipients from 55 to 65 and mandates that parents of children aged 14 and older meet these same work requirements to receive benefits. It also eliminates benefit exemptions for homeless individuals and veterans, restricts state waivers for areas with high unemployment, and prohibits the Department of Agriculture from increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program costs based on dietary reevaluations. Introduced by Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX), the bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025.

S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 establishes federal requirements for name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements and provides a limited antitrust exemption for college sports media rights. The bill prohibits institutions from restricting student NIL deals, mandates that athletes report compensation over $600, and caps agent fees at 5%. It also makes revenue-sharing limits from the House v. NCAA settlement permanent and restricts large athletic programs from cutting non-revenue varsity sports for nine years. Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the legislation passed the Senate in September 2026 and is currently held at the desk in the House.

H.R. 4818 — Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023

This legislation expands Medicare coverage to include intensive behavioral therapy and FDA-approved medications for the treatment of obesity. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to update reimbursement codes for healthcare providers offering these services. The bill affects Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers nationwide. Originally introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) in the 118th Congress, it was recently reported out of committee for further House action.

Disaster Relief - 2025-2026 Declarations

$21.0B · active

Israel Military Aid Package

$17.9B · active

Federal Workforce Buyout & Restructuring

$14.0B · active

Mass Deportation Operations (ICE Enforcement Surge)

$9.8B · active

Vitality Works Inc. Recalls 365 Whole Foods Market Ashwagandha Capsules Sold Nationwide Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

FDA

SLR Food Distribution Inc. Recalls Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon Due to Elevated Lead Levels

FDA

Taylor Farms Issues Recall for H-E-B Backyard BBQ Chop Salad Kit Due to the Potential Undeclared Soy and Tree Nuts(Almonds)

FDA

HAIFA SMOKED FISH Recalls Cold Smoked Sprats Due to Potential Health Risk

FDA

The 25th Amendment, explained: how presidential succession and disability actually work

The amendment sets out four separate procedures — for succession, for filling a vice presidential vacancy, and for handling a president who is unable to serve. Here is what each section says and what it requires.

How a bill becomes law

The full path a proposal takes from introduction to the president's desk, and the points where most bills die.

What a government shutdown is

Why funding lapses happen, which services stop, and how the standoff usually ends.

The filibuster and the 60-vote Senate

How unlimited debate became a routine supermajority requirement, and what the carve-outs are.