Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]
Republican · VA · 21 bills sponsored
To amend title 11, United States Code, to modify certain bankruptcy eligibility requirements, and for other purposes.
# Summary of HR 7730 **What the Bill Would Do:** HR 7730 proposes changes to U.S. bankruptcy law, specifically modifying eligibility requirements for individuals filing for bankruptcy protection. The bill's exact provisions are not detailed in the information provided, but it would alter rules governing who can access bankruptcy—a legal process that allows people or businesses to eliminate or restructure debts they cannot pay. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact individuals considering bankruptcy, potentially making it easier or harder for certain groups to qualify for bankruptcy protection depending on the specific changes proposed. It could also indirectly affect creditors, banks, and collection agencies that handle unpaid debts. **Current Status:** HR 7730 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't advanced to a full floor vote in the House of Representatives. As a bill sponsored by a Republican representative from Virginia, it remains in the early legislative stage. Without access to the detailed language, it's unclear what specific eligibility changes are being proposed or what alternative eligibility criteria might be introduced.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income gain from the conversion of property by reason of eminent domain.
# Summary of HR 7687 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would change federal tax law to help property owners who lose land through eminent domain (when the government takes private property for public use, like building a highway). Currently, when the government pays property owners for seized land, any profit from the sale is considered taxable income. This bill would exclude that gain from taxes, meaning property owners wouldn't owe federal income tax on the difference between what they originally paid for the land and what the government paid them. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill directly benefits property owners whose land is taken through eminent domain. By exempting this gain from taxation, it would allow people to keep more of the compensation they receive from the government. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (federal tax law) but doesn't specify limits on property type, value, or circumstances—the full details would be in the legislative language itself. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7687 is in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), and it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025
# Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would increase transparency and public input requirements for regulatory settlements and consent decrees—legal agreements where companies or organizations settle disputes with federal agencies without going to trial. The legislation would require federal agencies to publish these agreements in advance and allow the public a set period to comment before the settlements become final. The bill aims to give citizens and affected parties a chance to weigh in on how agencies resolve regulatory disputes. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily impact federal regulatory agencies (like the EPA, FDA, and others) and the companies they regulate. It would also affect any members of the public who want to participate in the regulatory process. By requiring advance notice and public comment periods similar to standard rulemaking procedures, the legislation seeks to prevent settlements that critics argue sometimes bypass normal public oversight. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House. The bill was introduced by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress. Like most bills at this stage, it requires committee approval and support before it can move forward for consideration by the broader House.
Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025
# Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, introduced by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA), aims to protect state ballot measures and ballot initiatives from foreign interference. While the full text and specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would establish safeguards to prevent foreign governments, entities, or individuals from influencing state-level ballot questions that appear on voting ballots. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily affect states that use ballot measures—allowing voters to directly approve or reject policies through ballot initiatives and referendums. It could impact campaign organizations, funding disclosures, and election officials. Currently, the bill is in the committee stage, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. Without the bill's specific text, additional details about enforcement mechanisms, funding requirements, or specific foreign interference activities it would target are unavailable.
Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act
# Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would protect generic and biosimilar drug manufacturers from patent lawsuits when they use "skinny labels"—a FDA-approved process where manufacturers sell cheaper generic versions of drugs but only advertise them for uses whose patents have expired. Currently, a court ruling allows brand-name drug companies to sue generic manufacturers for patent infringement even when using skinny labels, which creates legal uncertainty for generic drugmakers. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily benefits generic and biosimilar drug manufacturers and consumers who use generic medications. It could indirectly help patients by making it easier and cheaper for generic companies to bring their products to market without expensive patent litigation. Brand-name pharmaceutical companies would be affected negatively, as they'd lose the ability to sue over skinny label generics. **Key Provision:** The bill creates a legal "safe harbor" stating that submitting skinny label applications to the FDA or marketing drugs with skinny labels would not be considered patent infringement under federal law. **Current Status:** HR 6485 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act of 2025
# Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act of 2025 (HR 2675) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to prevent foreign governments and entities from using the U.S. court system to manipulate American politics or policy. It would restrict foreign nationals and foreign-controlled companies from filing certain lawsuits in U.S. courts and would require increased congressional oversight of cases involving foreign parties. The legislation is designed to close what sponsors see as a loophole that foreign actors could exploit to influence American judicial and political outcomes. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would impact foreign nationals, foreign governments, and foreign-controlled corporations seeking to bring cases in U.S. courts. It also affects the federal judiciary, which would need to implement new procedures to identify and handle cases with foreign involvement. The bill establishes congressional oversight mechanisms, likely requiring courts or the Department of Justice to report certain foreign-related litigation to Congress. The exact scope of restrictions and exemptions would depend on the bill's detailed language. **Current Status** As of now, HR 2675 is in committee and has not yet advanced to a full House vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Ben Cline, a Republican from Virginia, in the 119th Congress.
Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act
# Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act (HR 5874) - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would require the federal government to continue processing firearm-related activities even during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would keep operating: the FBI's background check system for gun purchases, the ATF's enforcement operations, and the Commerce and State Departments' functions related to firearm exports and licensing. Currently, these services may pause when Congress fails to fund the government. **Who it affects:** The bill would impact gun buyers (who rely on background checks to purchase firearms), gun manufacturers and exporters (who need licenses to sell firearms internationally), and the federal agencies responsible for these functions. **Key provisions:** The bill mandates that four specific federal operations must continue during shutdowns: FBI background checks, ATF enforcement programs, Commerce Department firearm export licensing, and State Department defense trade controls for firearms. **Current status:** HR 5874 was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It has not advanced to become law.
Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act
# Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act (HR 4642) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act is a proposed law that would establish procedures and planning requirements for the federal government in case of major fiscal crises or emergencies. The bill aims to create a framework that allows the government to continue operating and managing its finances during severe economic disruptions or budgetary emergencies. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect federal agencies and government operations. It could indirectly impact all Americans by potentially influencing how the government maintains essential services and financial stability during times of crisis. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Ben Cline, a Republican from Virginia. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process at this time. **Note:** Specific details about the bill's exact provisions are not publicly available in standard legislative databases, so this summary focuses on what the title and general description indicate. For more detailed information, the full bill text would need to be reviewed on Congress.gov or similar official sources.
Don’t Sell My DNA Act
# Don't Sell My DNA Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Don't Sell My DNA Act (HR 4492) would prohibit the sale of human DNA or genetic information without explicit consent from the individual it came from. The bill aims to protect people's genetic privacy by requiring that companies, researchers, or other entities obtain clear permission before buying or selling someone's DNA data. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** This bill would primarily affect genetic testing companies, research institutions, and biotech firms that collect or trade in genetic information. It would also provide protections for consumers who use direct-to-consumer DNA testing services. The core provision establishes that individuals retain ownership rights over their genetic data and that selling this information without consent would be prohibited. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4492 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is awaiting further committee review and action before it could advance for a full House vote.
Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025
# Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 would modify how bankruptcy cases are handled in federal courts. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, the bill focuses on improving administrative procedures within the bankruptcy system and likely addresses court operations, fees, or how bankruptcy cases are processed and managed. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect people and businesses filing for bankruptcy protection, bankruptcy courts and judges, and potentially court users who pay fees associated with bankruptcy proceedings. The changes could impact how quickly cases are resolved and what fees people pay when entering bankruptcy. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review and has not yet been brought to a full vote in the House. To become law, it would need to pass committee review, House approval, Senate approval, and presidential signature.
Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act
# Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would strengthen protections for small businesses when federal agencies create new regulations. It would require agencies to more thoroughly analyze how their rules affect small companies—including indirect costs, not just direct ones. When a rule would significantly impact small businesses, agencies would need to explore and document alternative approaches that could reduce harmful effects or increase beneficial ones. The bill also expands which types of agency decisions require this economic impact analysis. **Who It Affects** Small businesses would be the primary beneficiaries, as the bill aims to give them greater consideration in the regulatory process. Federal agencies that create rules (like the EPA, Labor Department, and others) would face new procedural requirements. Congress would gain more oversight authority to review these analyses. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Ben Cline (R-Virginia) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Foreign Agents Transparency Act
# Foreign Agents Transparency Act (HR 3229) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Foreign Agents Transparency Act aims to increase disclosure requirements for people and organizations that work on behalf of foreign governments, political parties, or entities in the United States. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically seek to expand reporting requirements under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), making it easier for the public to identify who is lobbying or conducting activities for foreign interests domestically. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact lobbyists, public relations firms, attorneys, and other professionals who represent foreign clients, as well as think tanks and non-profit organizations that receive foreign funding. The general public would be affected indirectly, as increased transparency could reveal more information about foreign influence efforts in the U.S. political system. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3229 remains in committee and has not advanced to a full House vote. The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress. Without more detailed information about its specific provisions, it's unclear whether the bill has attracted bipartisan support or faced opposition.
No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act
# No Union Time on the Taxpayer's Dime Act (HR 2676) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would restrict federal employees' use of paid work time for union-related activities. Currently, federal employees can spend a certain portion of their work hours on union duties (such as representing colleagues in grievances or negotiating contracts) while still being paid by taxpayers. This bill would limit or eliminate that practice, requiring union work to be conducted on employees' own time rather than during paid federal work hours. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects federal government workers who are union members or representatives, as well as the unions that represent them. It could indirectly impact any federal employee who relies on union representation for workplace matters. The bill does not affect private sector unions or state/local government employees. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 2676 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
No Welfare for the Wealthy Act of 2025
# No Welfare for the Wealthy Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would change how people qualify for SNAP (food assistance). Currently, households can receive SNAP benefits in two ways: by meeting SNAP's own income and asset limits, or by automatically qualifying if they already receive benefits from other assistance programs like TANF (cash welfare). The bill would eliminate this second pathway, requiring all SNAP applicants to go through SNAP's specific financial eligibility checks instead. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects lower-income households currently receiving food assistance. It would likely impact people who qualify for SNAP through other assistance programs without having to prove they meet SNAP's particular financial requirements. States that use "broad-based categorical eligibility" (a policy making most households below a certain income threshold automatically eligible) would be particularly affected. **Current status:** The bill (HR 416) was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Hearing Protection Act
# Hearing Protection Act (HR 404) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Hearing Protection Act would remove federal excise taxes and regulatory restrictions on firearm silencers (also called suppressors). Currently, silencers are heavily taxed and require federal registration through a lengthy approval process. If passed, this bill would eliminate those requirements, making silencers more accessible and affordable for gun owners. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects gun owners who want to use silencers, manufacturers of silencers, and potentially gun ranges. Proponents argue it protects hearing health for shooters and bystanders. The bill could also impact federal revenue from silencer taxes, though the amount would be relatively modest. **Current Status:** HR 404 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress. Similar versions of this bill have been introduced in previous congressional sessions but have not passed.
Federal Grant Accountability Act
# Federal Grant Accountability Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would cap the indirect costs that colleges and universities can charge when they receive federal research grants. Indirect costs cover overhead expenses like maintaining facilities, administrative staff, and infrastructure needed to support research—not the actual research itself. Under this bill, schools could charge no more in indirect costs from federal grants than they average from private research funding sources. The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to calculate what private institutions typically charge for indirect costs, and mandates a Government Accountability Office study comparing indirect cost rates across federal agencies (like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation). **Who It Affects** Colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education that conduct federally funded research would be most directly affected. Currently, many schools charge higher indirect cost rates on federal grants than on private research contracts. This bill could reduce funding available to universities for research infrastructure and operations, though supporters argue it would save taxpayer money. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Protecting America From Spies Act
# Protecting America From Spies Act - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would make it easier for the U.S. government to deny entry to foreign nationals suspected of espionage or sabotage activities. Currently, the government can only bar someone if they plan to commit espionage in the U.S. This bill would expand that authority to also block people who have engaged in espionage or sabotage activities *outside* the United States, or who plan to do so anywhere. It would also allow the government to deny entry to the spouse or child of someone barred for these reasons if the espionage/sabotage occurred within the past five years. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens) seeking to enter the United States, and potentially their family members. It gives immigration authorities broader discretion in deciding who poses a security threat related to espionage. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act
# No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act – Summary **What It Does:** This bill would limit the amount of indirect costs that wealthy universities can charge to federal research grants. "Indirect costs" are overhead expenses—like maintaining buildings, administrative staff, and facilities—that universities add on top of the actual research costs when they receive federal funding. The bill targets universities with large endowments (savings/investments), capping how much of these indirect costs the government will reimburse for the wealthiest institutions. **Who It Affects:** The bill specifically targets universities with endowments over $2 billion. It requires the federal government to annually track and list universities with endowments exceeding $5 billion and those between $2-5 billion, then share that information with federal agencies and Congress. This would primarily impact well-established, affluent institutions like Harvard, Yale, and similar universities with large financial reserves. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 422) was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No action has been taken since its introduction.
Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act
# Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would change how federal agencies create new rules and regulations. Currently, career government employees can initiate and finalize most agency rules. Under this bill, two key steps would require involvement of higher-level officials: (1) starting a new rule would need approval from a senior presidential appointee, and (2) finalizing and signing off on the rule would need to be done by someone appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The bill includes limited exceptions and would require the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to provide guidance to agencies on how to implement these changes. **Who It Affects and Why** This bill would primarily affect federal agencies and their rulemaking processes. Supporters argue it increases accountability by requiring elected or presidentially-appointed officials to take responsibility for major regulations rather than leaving decisions to career bureaucrats. Critics might contend it could slow down the regulatory process or give political appointees more control over technical decisions. The changes would ultimately affect businesses and the public who are regulated by these federal rules. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not been voted on by the full House.
End U.N. Censorship Act
# End U.N. Censorship Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would prohibit the U.S. government from funding the iVerify tool, a fact-checking program developed by the United Nations Development Programme. More broadly, it would ban federal funding for any international effort that labels speech as misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation. The bill aims to prevent taxpayer money from supporting what the sponsor views as censorship activities. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact international organizations receiving U.S. funding, particularly the United Nations and its development programs. Domestically, it signals a policy stance against government-supported fact-checking initiatives. The measure reflects broader debates about who should control information verification and concerns about free speech. **Current Status** HR 417 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full House vote. No companion bill has been identified in the Senate.
One Agency Act
# One Agency Act Summary **What it would do:** This bill would consolidate federal antitrust enforcement—the oversight of competitive business practices—under a single agency. Currently, both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) share responsibility for enforcing antitrust laws. The bill would transfer all antitrust functions, employees, assets, and funding from the FTC to the DOJ, eliminating the FTC's antitrust division. The transition would take up to 16 months, during which the DOJ could reorganize its antitrust division and temporarily use FTC employees to continue investigations and prosecutions. **Who it affects:** Large and small businesses would be impacted, as they would deal with only one federal agency instead of two for antitrust matters. FTC employees working on antitrust issues would be transferred to the DOJ. Consumers could be affected depending on whether consolidation changes how aggressively antitrust violations are pursued. The FTC would retain other responsibilities unrelated to antitrust, such as consumer protection and privacy enforcement. **Current status:** The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee and has not yet been voted on. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA).