Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]
Republican · ID · 15 bills sponsored
Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act
# Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act (HR 5576) **What the Bill Does:** This bill would make it easier for companies to develop geothermal energy projects—power generation from heat beneath the Earth's surface—on federal lands managed by the government. The legislation would streamline the permitting process and potentially adjust lease terms or royalty requirements to encourage more geothermal development on public property. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects energy companies interested in geothermal projects, western states where most geothermal resources are located, and potentially consumers through its impact on renewable energy development and electricity supply. Federal land management agencies like the Bureau of Land Management would also be involved in implementing any changes. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 5576 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher, a Republican from Idaho, reflecting the strong geothermal resources in that region.
Making National Parks Safer Act
# Making National Parks Safer Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 7031, called the Making National Parks Safer Act, is a proposed law currently under review in Congress. Based on its title and sponsorship, the bill is intended to address safety issues in America's national parks, though specific details about its provisions are not available in the information provided. The bill was introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher from Idaho. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been assigned to the relevant congressional committee for review and discussion but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. At this stage, it remains in the early phases of the legislative process. **Note for Readers** To learn the specific safety measures this bill proposes—whether they involve funding, staffing, infrastructure improvements, wildlife management, or other areas—you would need to review the full text of the bill on Congress.gov or a similar legislative tracking website. This would provide details on which parks are affected, what changes would be made, and how the bill would be funded.
CLEAN Act
# CLEAN Act (HR 1687) Summary **What the Bill Does** The CLEAN Act would facilitate the development of clean energy projects on federal lands by streamlining the process for transferring or leasing public property for renewable energy and critical mineral mining operations. The bill aims to balance energy development with land management by creating pathways for alternative energy generation (such as wind and solar) and extracting minerals needed for batteries and clean technology, while keeping projects on federal property rather than private land. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact renewable energy developers, mining companies, federal land managers, and communities near public lands. It could affect Indigenous tribes and environmental groups interested in how federal lands are used, as well as consumers and businesses dependent on minerals for clean energy technologies and the electrical grid. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1687 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full House vote. The bill was sponsored by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act
# Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act (HR 6499) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require a comprehensive government study on safety tools available to parents and minors regarding internet and social media use. If passed, the bill would direct federal agencies to assess what parental control options, content filters, privacy settings, and other safety features currently exist on social media platforms and online services. The study would examine how effective these tools are, whether minors understand how to use them, and identify any gaps in available protections. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects parents of children using the internet and social media platforms, as well as social media companies and technology providers. It could also influence federal regulators like the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) who would likely oversee the study. **Key Provisions & Current Status:** The bill focuses on information gathering rather than imposing new regulations—it would create a formal assessment of existing safety tools rather than mandate new ones. Specific protections would depend on the study's findings and any future legislation based on those results. Currently, the bill remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
Broadband for Americans through Responsible Streamlining (BARS) Act
# BARS Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Broadband for Americans through Responsible Streamlining (BARS) Act is designed to speed up and simplify the process for deploying broadband internet infrastructure across the United States. While the bill's specific details aren't fully detailed in the available information, the name suggests it aims to reduce regulatory barriers and streamline approval procedures that currently slow down broadband expansion projects. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact broadband companies and internet service providers seeking to build or expand networks, as well as Americans in underserved areas hoping to gain better internet access. State and local governments that oversee permitting and infrastructure approvals would also be affected by any changes to the regulatory process. **Current Status** The BARS Act was introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) 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. For detailed information about specific provisions, you can search for the bill on Congress.gov.
Removing Insurance Gaps for Health Treatment (RIGHT) Act of 2025
# Removing Insurance Gaps for Health Treatment (RIGHT) Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The RIGHT Act of 2025 aims to address gaps in health insurance coverage, though the specific details of what coverage gaps it targets are not publicly available in the provided information. The bill was introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee review. **Who It Affects and Current Status:** This bill would potentially affect Americans with health insurance and the insurance industry, though without access to the full text, the exact scope of impact cannot be determined. As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. Further details about the bill's specific provisions would require reviewing the complete legislative text. *Note: For a complete understanding of this bill's provisions and implications, readers should consult the full text on Congress.gov or other legislative tracking websites.*
One Subject at a Time Act
# One Subject at a Time Act (HR 4324) Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would require that each piece of legislation passed by Congress focus on only one subject matter. Currently, Congress often combines multiple unrelated topics into a single bill—a practice called "omnibus" or "bundled" legislation. This proposal aims to change that by forcing lawmakers to separate different issues into individual bills. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** This rule would apply to all federal legislation considered by Congress. The bill's intent is to make the legislative process more transparent and deliberate, allowing members to vote specifically on individual issues rather than being forced to choose between accepting an entire package of policies they may partially disagree with. It's sponsored by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and reflects a broader desire among some lawmakers to reform how Congress operates. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced further. This means it hasn't received a floor vote in either chamber of Congress yet. Whether it gains traction depends on broader congressional support for procedural reform.
To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
# HR 331 Summary **What the Bill Does** HR 331 amends an existing law called the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to make it easier for water to be transported across federal land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the purpose of recharging underground water supplies (aquifers). Currently, companies or organizations with permits to move water across public lands can only do so for their own use. This bill would allow them to also transport water on behalf of states, Native American tribes, or local government agencies—all without needing to get additional permission from the federal government—as long as they're using existing water pipes or pathways and not expanding them. **Who It Affects** This primarily affects water users in western states (particularly Idaho, where the sponsor is from) who rely on underground aquifers for drinking water and agriculture. It impacts the BLM, water companies, state and local governments, and Native American tribes involved in water management. The bill could make it simpler and faster for communities to recharge aquifers during wet periods to store water for drier times. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is pending further action in the Senate.
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
# Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act - Summary **What the bill does:** This legislation requires manufacturers of internet-connected "smart" devices to clearly tell consumers before purchase if the device contains a camera or microphone. For example, if a smart refrigerator, TV, or home security system has these features, manufacturers must disclose that information upfront. The bill exempts devices where people already expect cameras or microphones, like smartphones and laptops. **Who it affects:** The primary impact falls on manufacturers of smart home devices and appliances. Consumers benefit by receiving clearer information about potential privacy features before buying. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would oversee enforcement of the disclosure requirements. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is now pending consideration in the Senate. It represents a consumer protection measure focused on transparency around device capabilities that could affect privacy.
Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025
# Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does** This bill would streamline the process for installing broadband infrastructure on federal lands, such as national forests, public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and other government-owned property. Currently, telecommunications companies must navigate a lengthy and complex approval process to build cell towers, fiber optic lines, and other internet equipment on these lands. The bill aims to reduce those barriers and speed up the approval timeline, making it easier and faster for companies to expand internet coverage in rural and remote areas. **Who It Affects** The legislation would primarily benefit rural communities and areas with limited internet access, as well as telecommunications companies seeking to expand their networks. Federal land managers would also be affected, as they would need to implement new streamlined procedures. Indirectly, it impacts anyone living in underserved areas where broadband infrastructure could be improved. **Current Status** As of now, HR 2298 remains in committee and has not advanced to a full floor vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) in the 119th Congress.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".
# Summary of HJRES 33 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would overturn a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that allows schools and libraries to use E-Rate funding—a federal subsidy program—to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile internet service for students and library patrons to use at home. The rule, finalized in August 2024, aims to close the "homework gap" by providing internet access to students who lack it. Schools and libraries using this program must set policies requiring the hotspots be used mainly for educational purposes. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact schools and libraries currently participating in the E-Rate program, as well as students and families in underserved areas who depend on these subsidized internet hotspots for remote learning and educational access. If passed, it would eliminate this new funding option and potentially leave some students without reliable home internet for schoolwork. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and was introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID). It has not yet advanced to a floor vote. The bill uses a congressional disapproval process that allows Congress to reject executive branch regulations.
MAILS Act
# MAILS Act Summary The MAILS Act would require the U.S. Postal Service to be more transparent and community-focused when making decisions about post offices. Specifically, it would establish a formal process allowing local government officials to request new post offices and set new rules for temporary relocations of postal services (such as during holidays or special events). Under the bill, USPS would need to gather and consider input from the community before moving postal services for more than two days, and would have to notify local officials and the public about these changes with regular updates. The bill primarily affects local governments, USPS, and communities that rely on postal services. By requiring more communication and community input before temporary relocations, the bill aims to ensure residents and local leaders have a say in postal service decisions that impact their areas. Currently, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
ATF Transparency Act
# ATF Transparency Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The ATF Transparency Act would change how the federal government processes applications for restricted firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act—including machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers. Currently, the government can take indefinite time to approve or deny these applications. Under this bill, if the government hasn't denied an application within 90 days, the transfer or manufacturing would be automatically approved. The bill also creates a process for people to appeal denied applications and requires the government to report on background checks that remain unresolved after 90 days. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect gun owners and manufacturers seeking to legally transfer or manufacture restricted firearms, as well as federal agencies (particularly the ATF and FBI) that process these applications and conduct background checks. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3".
# Summary of HJRES 26 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would cancel an EPA environmental regulation issued in April 2024 that sets stricter greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks, delivery trucks, school buses, and utility vehicles. The new EPA rule requires these vehicles to gradually reduce their emissions over time, replacing an earlier (less strict) regulation. If passed, HJRES 26 would eliminate these stricter emission requirements. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact the trucking and vehicle manufacturing industries, as they would no longer be required to meet the stricter emission standards. It also indirectly affects consumers (through potential impacts on vehicle costs and fuel efficiency) and environmental concerns related to air quality and climate change. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. This type of resolution uses a special congressional process that allows lawmakers to overturn federal regulations, though it would still need approval from both the House and Senate and the President's signature to become law.
Keep Every Extra Penny Act of 2025
# Keep Every Extra Penny Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would allow workers to exclude overtime pay from their federal income taxes. Currently, when workers earn overtime compensation (pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week), that money counts as taxable income. If passed, overtime pay would no longer be taxed at the federal level, potentially resulting in tax savings for workers who work extra hours. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects hourly workers and salaried employees who regularly work overtime. Workers in industries with frequent overtime—such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and transportation—would likely benefit the most. The bill would also affect federal tax revenue, since the government would collect less income tax overall. **Current Status** The bill (HR 405) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.