Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.185 - Responsible Legislating Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.185, the Responsible Legislating Act, is a comprehensive bill addressing various policy areas, including agriculture, veterans' affairs, retirement plans, human trafficking, and national security. It aims to extend livestock mandatory reporting, enhance retirement savings opportunities, increase penalties for human trafficking in school zones, and promote foreign direct investment in semiconductor manufacturing.

Expected Effects

The bill is likely to result in increased retirement savings for individuals, improved support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, enhanced protection against human trafficking, and a more resilient semiconductor supply chain. These changes would occur through amendments to existing laws and the establishment of new programs and regulations.

Potential Benefits

  • Extends livestock mandatory reporting, providing market transparency for farmers.
  • Enhances retirement savings through automatic enrollment, increased Saver's Credit, and expanded access to retirement plans for part-time workers.
  • Supports veterans by improving education on apprenticeship programs and creating user-friendly websites for finding such programs.
  • Increases punishment for human trafficking in school zones, enhancing public safety.
  • Promotes foreign direct investment in semiconductor manufacturing, strengthening national security and economic resilience.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The expansion of automatic enrollment in retirement plans could lead to some individuals saving more than they are comfortable with, especially those with limited income.
  • Increased complexity in retirement plan regulations may create compliance challenges for small businesses.
  • Some provisions, such as those related to foreign investment, may raise concerns about economic dependence on other nations.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's provisions generally align with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and providing for the common defense. The expansion of retirement savings opportunities and support for veterans fall under the purview of promoting the general welfare. The increased punishment for human trafficking and measures to strengthen national security align with the goal of providing for the common defense and ensuring domestic tranquility.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).