Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]
Republican · TX · 11 bills sponsored
End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026
# End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, formally titled HR 7612, would restrict so-called "sanctuary city" policies—local laws that limit cooperation between city police and federal immigration enforcement authorities. If passed, the bill would aim to compel local law enforcement to work more closely with federal immigration officials, likely by withholding federal funding from cities that don't comply with immigration enforcement requests or by otherwise penalizing jurisdictions with sanctuary policies. **Who It Affects and Key Impact** The bill would primarily affect major cities and counties that have adopted sanctuary policies, as well as their residents. Supporters argue it would improve national security and enforce immigration laws more effectively. Critics counter that it could damage community-police relations by making immigrants afraid to report crimes or cooperate with local law enforcement, and that it may violate states' rights to set their own law enforcement priorities. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) in the 119th Congress. Like most bills, it faces an uncertain path and would require committee approval and broader congressional support to become law.
To limit donations made pursuant to settlement agreements to which the United States is a party, and for other purposes.
# HR 7387 Summary **What the Bill Does:** HR 7387 would restrict charitable donations that companies are required to make as part of settlement agreements with the federal government. When the government sues a company and reaches a settlement, sometimes the company agrees to donate money to charitable organizations as part of the deal. This bill would limit or regulate those types of donations. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect companies that settle legal cases with federal agencies, as well as the charitable organizations that currently receive settlement-directed donations. It could also impact government agencies that negotiate these settlements. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) 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 specific provisions or legislative language details are publicly available at this time.
No Tax on Restored Benefits Act
# No Tax on Restored Benefits Act (HR 7361) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would prevent the federal government from taxing certain benefits that have been restored or reinstated to individuals. Essentially, if someone had their benefits cut off and later had them restored (such as Social Security, disability payments, or other federal assistance), this bill would make those restored amounts tax-free. The goal is to avoid a situation where people owe taxes on benefits they receive after a period without them. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects individuals who receive federal benefits and had those benefits temporarily suspended or terminated before being restored. This could include Social Security recipients, veterans, people receiving disability benefits, or others who depend on federal assistance programs. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 7361 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) but has not advanced to a floor vote or been passed. **Note:** The bill's specific details regarding which benefit programs would be covered are not fully detailed in the available information, so interested parties should review the full legislative text for comprehensive coverage details.
Credit Card Competition Act of 2026
# Credit Card Competition Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Credit Card Competition Act of 2026 is a proposed law designed to increase competition in the credit card industry. While specific details aren't available in the basic information provided, bills with this title typically aim to reduce fees, increase consumer choice, or change how credit card networks operate—such as breaking up the dominance of major payment processors like Visa and Mastercard. **Who It Affects** This bill would potentially impact credit card companies, payment networks, banks, merchants, and consumers. Merchants (stores and online retailers) often advocate for such competition measures because they pay interchange fees when customers use credit cards, costs that can be passed to consumers. Banks and card networks may oppose the bill if it limits their revenue or market control. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. For more specific details about the bill's actual provisions, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov.
Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2025
# Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would modify how Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) operate in the United States. Foreign-Trade Zones are designated areas where imported goods can be stored, processed, or manufactured with reduced tariffs and duties. The bill aims to enhance export capabilities within these zones, though specific provisions are not publicly detailed yet since it remains in the early committee stage. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact manufacturers, importers, and exporters who use Foreign-Trade Zones—particularly in industries like technology, automotive, and consumer goods. It could also affect companies considering establishing operations in these zones, and potentially workers in those industries. Texas businesses may have particular interest given the bill's sponsor represents a Texas district. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced 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. At this early stage, detailed provisions have not been made public, so the specific changes being proposed are not yet available for detailed analysis.
Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act
# Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, if passed, would express U.S. support for Taiwan's membership in Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization. Currently, Taiwan is not a member of Interpol due to opposition from the People's Republic of China (mainland China), which argues that Taiwan is part of China and shouldn't have separate international representation. The bill would direct U.S. officials to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in this international law enforcement organization. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** The bill primarily affects Taiwan and U.S. relations with both Taiwan and China. Taiwan would benefit from Interpol membership by having better access to international law enforcement cooperation and information-sharing networks to combat transnational crime, human trafficking, and terrorism. However, mainland China opposes Taiwan's separate international status, making this a sensitive geopolitical issue. The bill signals U.S. support for Taiwan's international participation despite Beijing's objections. **Current Status** The bill (HR 6262) is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced during the 119th Congress by Representative Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas.
Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act
# Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act (HR 3966) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require think tanks and nonprofit organizations to disclose foreign funding sources and foreign influence in their operations. Specifically, it would mandate that these organizations reveal any financial support, grants, or donations coming from foreign governments, entities, or individuals, as well as disclose any foreign nationals serving in leadership or decision-making roles. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The legislation targets policy research organizations, advocacy groups, and nonprofits that engage in public policy discussions or influence. By increasing transparency requirements, the bill aims to help the public and policymakers identify potential foreign interests that might influence these organizations' work and public statements. The exact scope of which organizations would be covered and the specific disclosure thresholds have not been detailed in available summaries. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3966 is in committee and has not advanced to a full House vote. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Leadership in CET Act
# Leadership in CET Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would create a special fast-track program at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to speed up the patent approval process for inventions in critical technology fields—specifically artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, and quantum computing. Instead of waiting years for patent approval, inventors working in these areas could get their patents reviewed and approved more quickly. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit technology companies, startups, and inventors working in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing. It could also indirectly affect the broader economy by potentially encouraging faster innovation and investment in these strategically important technology sectors. The USPTO would be responsible for implementing and managing the program. **Key Provisions and Current Status:** The main requirement is that the USPTO must establish this pilot program and then report back to Congress on how well it works and whether it actually speeds up innovation in these fields. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
No Tax Dollars for the United Nation’s Immigration Invasion Act
# HR 1792 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to support United Nations activities related to migration and immigration. If passed, it would cut off U.S. financial contributions to UN programs and initiatives that focus on international migration policy and coordination. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact the UN's ability to operate migration-related programs, potentially affecting international cooperation on refugee and immigration issues. It could also influence U.S. funding levels to the UN more broadly. **Current Status:** HR 1792 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a floor vote for the full House to consider. The bill was introduced by Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX). **Note:** The bill's title uses the phrase "immigration invasion," which is political language rather than standard legislative terminology. For factual understanding, the bill's core function is to restrict federal funding for UN migration-related work.
Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025
# Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to protect American technology, research, and business secrets from what sponsors view as threats related to China's Communist Party (CCP). While the full text isn't detailed in the summary, based on its subject areas, the bill likely includes measures to strengthen oversight of foreign investments in U.S. technology companies, enhance protections for trade secrets and intellectual property, and increase monitoring of potential espionage activities targeting American innovation. **Who It Affects and Key Areas** The bill would impact multiple sectors including higher education, technology companies, research institutions, and investment firms. It appears to establish new oversight mechanisms and potentially funding restrictions, which would affect universities and companies receiving federal funding or engaged in sensitive research. The Department of Justice would likely gain expanded authority to investigate potential espionage and economic theft related to China. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1468 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX). To become law, it must pass committee review, full House approval, Senate approval, and receive presidential signature.
Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2025
# Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding to certify they comply with laws addressing human trafficking and smuggling. If passed, nonprofits would lose their federal funding and tax-exempt status if they fail to make this certification. The bill would also require nonprofit charities to verify that people receiving federal benefits through their programs are actually eligible for those benefits—a requirement they're currently exempt from. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects nonprofit and charitable organizations that receive federal grants or funding. Additionally, people who use services provided by these nonprofits could be impacted by new eligibility verification requirements. The bill includes a reporting requirement for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to publish an annual list of nonprofits that don't certify their compliance, making this information available to Congress and the public. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX).