Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]
Republican · NJ · 21 bills sponsored
Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act
# Summary of HR 5419: Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act **What the bill does:** This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to study how quickly they process requests from companies wanting to build broadband and communications infrastructure on public lands and national forests. The bill asks these agencies to identify what's slowing down the approval process and what additional staff or resources they might need to speed things up. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects broadband companies and internet service providers seeking to expand coverage, as well as the federal agencies (Interior Department and Forest Service) responsible for reviewing their requests. Ultimately, it could impact Americans living in rural areas where broadband expansion depends on access to public lands. **Key provision and status:** The main requirement is a comprehensive study and report on barriers to timely reviews and staffing needs. The bill has already passed the House and is now in the Senate for consideration. It's a relatively modest measure focused on streamlining government processes rather than making major policy changes, and it has bipartisan potential appeal since broadband expansion is generally supported across the political spectrum.
Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025
# Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025 would establish new requirements for flight training programs serving veterans. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to set standards, oversight mechanisms, or funding rules for aviation training offered to military veterans through federal programs or benefits. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact military veterans who pursue or are interested in flight training, as well as flight schools and training providers that serve veteran populations. The Department of Veterans Affairs and potentially the Federal Aviation Administration would likely be involved in implementation. **Current Status** The bill (HR 5634) is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ). To track its progress and view the complete text with detailed provisions, you can visit Congress.gov, which provides real-time updates on all federal legislation.
Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026
# Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 7648, called the Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026, is a proposed federal law currently being reviewed in a House committee. Based on its title, the bill appears designed to protect local taxpayers, though specific legislative details are not available in the information provided. Without access to the bill's actual text, its precise provisions and mechanisms cannot be determined. **Current Status and Impact** The bill was introduced by Rep. Thomas H. Kean (R-NJ) in the 119th Congress and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. At this stage, the legislation has not advanced to a floor vote. If you need specific details about what protections this bill would provide, which taxpayers it would affect most, or exactly how it would work, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov or contact the sponsor's office for clarification.
Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act of 2026
# Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act of 2026 is a proposed law aimed at addressing housing affordability issues in the United States. However, detailed information about the specific provisions of this bill is not currently available in public records, as it remains in the early committee stage of the legislative process. **Current Status and Who It Affects:** This bill (HR 7216) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Thomas Kean (R-NJ) and is currently under review in a congressional committee. Until the bill advances and detailed text becomes publicly available, the specific groups it would affect—whether renters, homebuyers, builders, or other stakeholders—cannot be determined. **Next Steps:** For the most current and detailed information about this bill's provisions and status, constituents can check Congress.gov, which provides official legislative text, committee assignments, and voting records as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
Seton Hall Fire Victims Remembrance Act of 2026
# Seton Hall Fire Victims Remembrance Act of 2026 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill, introduced by Representative Thomas Kean (R-NJ), is a commemorative measure designed to honor and remember victims of a fire at Seton Hall University. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills of this type typically authorize memorial activities, designate commemorative days, or establish tributes to acknowledge a tragedy and its victims. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the Seton Hall University community, including the families of fire victims, survivors, and the broader New Jersey community. Commemorative bills like this one generally have symbolic rather than direct practical effects on daily life, though they serve important functions in public remembrance. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 7168 remains in committee and has not been brought to a full vote in the House. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process. For the most current information about any amendments or movement on this bill, the official Congress.gov website would have the latest updates.
Safer GAMING Act
# Safer GAMING Act Summary The Safer GAMING Act (HR 6265) is a proposed federal law designed to protect children from harmful online content and practices on digital platforms and social media. The bill would establish new federal safety standards for how tech companies operate their services, particularly focusing on features that could endanger minors—such as algorithms that promote addictive content, exposure to inappropriate material, or financial scams targeting young users. It would also address data privacy concerns by limiting how companies collect and use children's personal information. The bill primarily affects technology and social media companies, which would need to comply with new safety requirements, as well as parents and children who use these platforms. Key provisions likely include requirements for companies to implement age-appropriate controls, reduce algorithmic amplification of harmful content, and provide transparency about how they protect younger users. The bill also appears to address state versus federal authority over tech regulation, suggesting it would set uniform national standards rather than allowing a patchwork of state laws. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full House vote. No further action has been taken at this time.
Drone Safety Enhancement Act
# Drone Safety Enhancement Act Summary The Drone Safety Enhancement Act (HR 6647) is a proposed federal law that would establish new safety standards and regulations for unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones. While specific details aren't available in the provided information, bills with this title typically aim to address concerns about drone operations near airports, populated areas, and critical infrastructure by requiring operators to meet certain safety requirements, potentially including registration, licensing, and operational restrictions. This bill would primarily affect commercial and recreational drone operators, manufacturers, and federal agencies like the FAA that oversee aviation safety. It could impact hobbyists who fly drones recreationally as well as businesses using drones for deliveries, photography, surveying, and other commercial purposes. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee review, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and the bill may be modified, combined with other proposals, or stalled before any floor vote occurs.
HELP Copays Act
# HELP Copays Act Summary The HELP Copays Act (HR 6423) is a proposed bill that would help make healthcare more affordable by reducing the out-of-pocket costs patients pay when they visit the doctor or fill prescriptions. The bill specifically targets copayments—the fixed amounts patients are required to pay at the time they receive medical services or medications. By lowering these costs, the legislation aims to make healthcare more accessible to Americans who might otherwise delay or skip necessary medical care due to expense. The bill would primarily affect patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. It would benefit individuals and families struggling with healthcare costs by reducing the amount they pay directly for medical services and prescriptions. The legislation is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. Without more detailed information about the bill's specific provisions, it's unclear exactly how much copayments would be reduced or whether the changes would apply to all types of medical services or specific categories only.
Stop Stealing our Chips Act
# Stop Stealing our Chips Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Stop Stealing our Chips Act would create a new whistleblower program within the Department of Commerce to encourage people to report illegal exports of sensitive technology and equipment. Specifically, it would reward individuals who provide information about violations of U.S. export control laws—particularly those involving "dual-use" items (products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, like advanced computer chips). If someone's tip leads to the government successfully fining a violator or seizing illegal goods, that person could receive a financial reward. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily targets companies and individuals engaged in illegal exports of sensitive U.S. technology, as well as potential whistleblowers who might have knowledge of such violations. It strengthens protections for people who come forward with this information. The bill operates under existing export control rules, so it doesn't create new restrictions on what can be exported—it simply adds incentives and legal protections to catch those breaking current law. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Connecting Veterans to Care Act of 2025
# Connecting Veterans to Care Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Connecting Veterans to Care Act of 2025 is a proposed law designed to improve how veterans access healthcare and services. While specific details about the bill's provisions are not publicly available yet (it's still in the early committee stage), based on its title and purpose, the bill likely aims to streamline connections between veterans and the medical care, mental health services, or other benefits they're entitled to receive. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect U.S. military veterans and potentially the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which administers healthcare and benefits to veterans. It could also impact healthcare providers who work with the VA system. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Thomas Kean (R-NJ) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review and has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. At this stage, the full text and specific provisions have not been widely detailed in public sources.
Defending Against Foreign Propaganda Act
# Defending Against Foreign Propaganda Act (HR 5956) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to strengthen U.S. defenses against foreign propaganda and disinformation campaigns. While specific details aren't publicly available yet, bills with this title typically establish measures to identify, track, and counter misleading information spread by foreign governments or their agents. This might include creating new government agencies or task forces, improving coordination between existing departments, or establishing funding for counter-disinformation efforts. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect federal agencies responsible for national security and foreign affairs (such as the State Department and intelligence agencies), media organizations, and potentially social media platforms. Indirectly, it could impact American citizens by aiming to reduce their exposure to foreign disinformation campaigns. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 5956 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ). For the most current information on specific provisions and any updates, check Congress.gov or the sponsor's official website.
Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
# Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Interior to conduct a study of the Upper Raritan River watershed in New Jersey to determine whether it qualifies for designation as a "Wild and Scenic River." A Wild and Scenic River designation is a federal protection status that recognizes rivers with outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, or historical value. The study would assess the river's characteristics and potential eligibility for this protected status. **Who It Affects** The bill directly affects communities and landowners in New Jersey's Upper Raritan River watershed region. A Wild and Scenic designation could impact how the river area is managed and developed in the future, potentially affecting property owners, local governments, recreational users, and environmental groups interested in river conservation. **Current Status** As of now, HR 5852 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Thomas Kean (Republican, New Jersey). No further action has been taken at this time.
Remembering American Hostages Act of 2025
# Remembering American Hostages Act of 2025 (HR 5772) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Remembering American Hostages Act of 2025 is a commemorative bill currently in committee that would honor Americans who have been taken hostage. Based on its title and naming conventions typical of such legislation, this bill likely designates a specific day or period for national recognition of hostages and their families, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect American hostages, their families, and potentially government agencies involved in hostage negotiations and support. It could also impact the general public through awareness campaigns or official recognition of the designated day. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Thomas Kean (R-NJ) 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. To become law, it would need to be approved by the committee, passed by both the House and Senate, and signed by the President. *Note: Limited details are publicly available about this bill's specific provisions. For comprehensive information, consult Congress.gov or official legislative summaries.*
LIFT AI Act
# LIFT AI Act Summary Unfortunately, I cannot provide a detailed summary of HR 5584 because the legislative information available is incomplete. The bill's subjects are listed as "N/A," and no description of its actual provisions is included in the data provided. To give you an accurate summary, I would need access to: - The bill's full text or summary of provisions - What "LIFT AI" stands for and its objectives - Details on which groups or industries it affects - Specific regulatory or financial measures it proposes **What I can tell you:** This is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ) currently in committee review, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. I'd recommend checking Congress.gov or the House Clerk's website directly for the complete bill text, which would provide the specifics you're looking for.
Undersea Cable Control Act
# Underscore Cable Control Act Summary **What It Does** This bill aims to protect undersea internet cables—the fiber optic lines that carry data between continents—from being controlled by foreign adversaries, particularly China. If passed, it would require the President and Department of Commerce to restrict the sale or transfer of technology and equipment needed to build and maintain these cables to unfriendly foreign governments and entities. The bill directs the Commerce Department to decide which undersea cable materials should face export controls and requires the President to work with allied nations to coordinate similar restrictions. **Who It Affects** The bill impacts technology companies and manufacturers who make undersea cable equipment, international trade partners, and telecommunications companies that operate these cables. It also affects the U.S. government agencies (Commerce Department and the President's office) who must enforce these rules and report back to Congress annually on their progress. **Current Status** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives. It now awaits action in the Senate. The underlying concern is national security—policymakers worry that if foreign adversaries control undersea cables or the technology to maintain them, they could intercept communications or cut off internet access to critical infrastructure.
Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025
# Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill tasks the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a federal agency, with encouraging American companies and organizations to participate in international groups that create standards for wireless networks and equipment. The NTIA would also provide technical help to support this participation. However, the bill includes a security restriction: the NTIA cannot encourage participation by any company or organization that poses a threat to U.S. national security. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects wireless companies, telecommunications equipment manufacturers, and trade organizations involved in wireless technology. It also impacts the NTIA, which would take on new responsibilities for outreach and technical support. Indirectly, it could affect consumers by potentially influencing what wireless technology standards are adopted. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate for consideration. Its supporters argue it helps ensure American involvement in setting global wireless standards, while any concerns would likely focus on how "national security threats" are defined and whether the bill duplicates existing efforts.
No Shorting America Act
# No Shorting America Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The No Shorting America Act would restrict or regulate short selling—a financial practice where investors borrow and sell stocks they don't own, hoping to buy them back later at a lower price. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the title suggests it aims to limit this practice, which some view as harmful to American companies and markets. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact investors and financial firms engaged in short selling, as well as stock markets and publicly traded companies. It could also affect ordinary Americans with retirement accounts or investments in stocks, depending on how restrictions are implemented and whether they influence market activity. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ) and is currently in committee, meaning it's still in the early legislative stage and has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No further action has been taken at this time. *Note: Additional details about specific provisions would require access to the full bill text.*
Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act
# Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act (HR 3771) - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill, introduced by Representative Thomas Kean of New Jersey, aims to strengthen protections for coastal communities and cities against severe weather events. While specific details aren't available in the summary provided, bills with this title typically focus on improving infrastructure resilience, updating building codes, enhancing emergency preparedness systems, or increasing funding for coastal defense projects to help communities better withstand hurricanes, storms, flooding, and other extreme weather. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would primarily impact residents and businesses in coastal areas and cities vulnerable to severe weather. It could also affect local governments, construction industries, and emergency management agencies that implement weather preparedness and infrastructure improvements. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 3771 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026). For specific details about the bill's provisions—such as funding amounts, which agencies would oversee implementation, or particular infrastructure projects—you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov.
Foreign Adversary Investment Prohibition Act
# Foreign Adversary Investment Prohibition Act (HR 3635) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prohibit investment in the United States by citizens and companies from countries designated as "foreign adversaries." The legislation aims to prevent potentially hostile nations from acquiring stakes in American businesses, real estate, or other assets that could pose national security risks. While specific details about which countries would be included aren't provided in this summary, such designations would likely cover nations with adversarial relationships to the U.S., such as China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact foreign investors from adversary nations, American companies seeking foreign investment capital, real estate transactions, and potentially consumers if restrictions affect prices or availability of certain goods or services. U.S. government agencies responsible for reviewing foreign investments would also be involved in enforcement. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not been brought to a vote. This means it's still in the early legislative stage and may not advance further. The bill was introduced by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ) and reflects ongoing bipartisan concerns about foreign investment and national security, though specific provisions that would define "foreign adversaries" and outline enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in this summary.
Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2025
# Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, officially titled the Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2025, aims to establish a reimbursement mechanism for costs associated with presidential security. While the full details aren't publicly summarized yet, the bill's title suggests it would create a system requiring certain entities or individuals to reimburse the federal government for security expenses incurred in protecting the president or presidential candidates. **Who It Affects:** The bill would likely affect presidential candidates, political campaigns, or potentially private entities that benefit from Secret Service protection or other security resources. Federal taxpayers could be impacted depending on how reimbursement provisions are structured and what costs are included. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 2131 remains in committee review. The bill was introduced by Representative Thomas H. Kean (R-NJ) in the 119th Congress and has not yet moved forward for a full House vote. No substantial details about specific provisions have been publicly released, so the exact scope and implementation methods remain unclear. --- *For detailed provisions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov or similar legislative databases.*
One Seat Ride Act
# One Seat Ride Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The One Seat Ride Act would require the Department of Transportation to study the benefits and challenges of commuter rail services that don't require passengers to transfer between trains. The study would examine economic impacts, practical logistics, and quality of life improvements. It would specifically focus on whether single-seat rides on New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley line during rush hours are feasible and what effects they might have on other transit lines in the state. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill primarily affects New Jersey commuters who use the Raritan Valley rail line, as well as the broader New Jersey Transit system. More broadly, the findings could inform commuter rail policy nationwide. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been assigned to the relevant House committee for review and discussion but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.