Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Democrat · OR · 47 bills sponsored
A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the promulgation of cybersecurity and digital service regulations relating to the use of EBT cards under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3949 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the federal government to create new cybersecurity and digital service rules for EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards used in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). Currently, there are no specific federal cybersecurity standards governing how these cards and their digital systems operate. The bill would mandate that regulations be written to protect the security and digital infrastructure of the SNAP program. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect the roughly 42 million Americans who currently receive SNAP benefits, as well as state agencies that administer the program and the companies that manage EBT card systems. Improved cybersecurity protections could help prevent fraud and protect beneficiaries' personal information from being compromised. **Current Status** The bill, sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No significant updates on its progress have been reported.
A bill to require a report on the competitiveness of United States exports of specialty crops.
# Summary of S. 3915 **What the Bill Would Do** S. 3915 would require the federal government to produce a comprehensive report analyzing how competitive U.S. specialty crops are in international markets. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other non-commodity agricultural products. The report would examine factors affecting American farmers' ability to sell these products abroad, potentially including trade barriers, pricing, quality standards, and competition from other countries. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill primarily affects specialty crop farmers, agricultural exporters, and related businesses, particularly in Oregon (the sponsor's state). It could also influence agricultural policy at the federal level. Currently, S. 3915 is in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. At this stage, the bill is still in the early legislative process and would need to advance through committee before moving forward.
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to require that notice of criminal surveillance orders be eventually provided to targets, to reform the use of non-disclosure orders to providers, to prohibit indefinite sealing of criminal surveillance orders, and for other purposes.
# Plain Language Summary: S 3918 **What the Bill Does** This bill would reform how law enforcement conducts secret surveillance by requiring authorities to eventually notify people when they've been surveilled, limiting how long surveillance orders can be kept hidden from the public, and restricting "gag orders" that prevent tech companies and service providers from disclosing that they've received government surveillance requests. Essentially, it aims to add transparency and time limits to surveillance practices that currently can remain secret indefinitely. **Who It Affects** The bill affects criminal defendants and surveillance targets (who would gain the right to know they were monitored), technology companies and internet service providers (who would have more freedom to disclose government requests), and law enforcement agencies (who would face new restrictions on keeping surveillance secret). It also impacts the broader public by potentially increasing transparency about government surveillance practices. **Current Status** S 3918 is sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet advanced to a full Senate vote. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
A bill to provide for the refund of duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
# Summary of S. 3905 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the federal government to refund tariffs (import taxes) that were imposed using emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Tariffs are fees added to goods imported from other countries. The bill essentially says that if tariffs were collected using these emergency powers, the government would have to pay that money back to the affected parties—likely importers and businesses that paid these fees. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily affect importers, businesses, and potentially consumers who paid tariffs on goods brought into the United States. This could impact various industries depending on which tariffs the bill applies to. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and hasn't been voted on by the full Senate yet. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the bill. **Note:** The bill's description provided doesn't specify which tariffs it targets or how far back refunds would go, so the exact scope of its impact isn't clear from the information available. For more details about which tariffs would be refunded, you would need to review the full bill text.
Nurses Belong in Nursing Homes Act
# Nurses Belong in Nursing Homes Act (S 3886) — Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to address staffing requirements in nursing homes by establishing or strengthening standards for how many nurses must work at these facilities. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would require or incentivize nursing homes to employ adequate nursing staff rather than relying heavily on lower-skilled workers. The goal would be to improve care quality and resident safety in long-term care facilities. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily impact nursing home operators and residents receiving care at these facilities. It could also affect healthcare workers, as it may create more nursing positions or change job requirements in the long-term care industry. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). Without additional details on the specific provisions, it's unclear what exact staffing ratios or requirements the bill proposes or how it would be enforced and funded.
Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act
# Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would update legal standards for how defense attorneys must represent criminal defendants in the digital age. Currently, courts rely on decades-old guidelines that don't account for modern technology like digital evidence, cybersecurity, and online investigations. The bill would require defense lawyers to have adequate knowledge of digital tools and evidence to provide competent legal representation, ensuring defendants aren't disadvantaged by their attorneys' lack of technical expertise. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects criminal defendants and their defense attorneys—both public defenders and private lawyers. It could also impact the criminal justice system more broadly by potentially requiring additional training resources for legal professionals and changing how cases involving digital evidence are handled in court. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the 119th Congress, meaning it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act
# Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act (S 3817) would establish new legal restrictions and accountability measures related to presidential finances. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, the bill's title indicates it aims to prevent presidents from misusing or misappropriating federal funds or resources. The bill would likely create clearer rules about how presidents can use government money and strengthen oversight mechanisms. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect sitting presidents and future administrations by imposing new financial restrictions and reporting requirements. It was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) in the 119th Congress. As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Bills in committee status are still in the early stages of the legislative process and may or may not advance further. *Note: For more detailed information about specific provisions, you may want to consult Congress.gov or the bill's full text, as the summary provided here contains limited details about the legislation's exact requirements.*
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Interim Guidance Simplifying Application of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax to Partnerships".
# Plain Language Summary This joint resolution is a congressional tool to block or "disapprove" an IRS rule about how a corporate alternative minimum tax applies to partnerships. The corporate alternative minimum tax is a federal tax designed to ensure large corporations pay a minimum level of tax. The IRS issued guidance on how this tax would work for partnerships (business structures with multiple owners). This resolution would reject that IRS guidance if passed, preventing the rule from taking effect. **Who It Affects:** Primarily partnerships and their owners, along with any businesses structured as partnerships that might be subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax. The resolution could also indirectly affect tax planning and compliance for larger business entities. **Current Status:** The resolution is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Congress. It was sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). Under the congressional disapproval process, if it passes both chambers and becomes law, it would overturn the IRS rule without requiring the agency to write a new one.
AWARE Act of 2026
# AWARE Act of 2026 Summary I'd be happy to help summarize this bill, but I need more information to give you an accurate summary. The details you've provided show that S. 3634 (the "AWARE Act of 2026") is currently in committee in the Senate, but the subjects and full bill text aren't included. To provide a useful summary covering what the bill would do, who it affects, and key provisions, I would need access to: - The bill's full text or detailed summary - A description of its main provisions - The stated purpose or goals **What I can tell you:** This is a Democratic-sponsored Senate bill in the 119th Congress that hasn't yet passed committee. If you can share the bill's text or provide more details about its subject matter, I'd be glad to break it down into plain language for a general audience.
National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025
# National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** The National Prescribed Fire Act would require federal agencies (the USDA and Department of the Interior) to significantly increase controlled burns on federal lands over the next 10 years. Specifically, they would need to expand the acreage burned by prescribed fires by 10% each year compared to the previous year. The bill also creates a program to provide financial assistance to states, tribes, counties, and other organizations to conduct these controlled burns on priority landscapes. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill affects federal land management, local communities near federal forests, and the wildfire prevention industry. Key provisions include: expanding job opportunities for prescribed fire workers (including hazard pay increases), recruiting from underrepresented groups and veterans, and allowing federal agencies to partner with various organizations to coordinate burns. The bill also emphasizes environmental assessment and monitoring to track impacts on air quality and health. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The underlying goal is to reduce catastrophic wildfires through controlled, planned burning, though the bill would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President to become law.
AGRITOURISM Act
# AGRITOURISM Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The AGRITOURISM Act (S 3392) aims to support and promote agritourism—activities where farms and rural properties offer experiences to visitors, such as farm tours, pick-your-own operations, petting zoos, or educational workshops. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, agritourism legislation typically focuses on helping farmers diversify their income, clarifying liability protections, or providing tax incentives for these tourism-related farm activities. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily benefit farmers and rural landowners looking to generate additional revenue through visitor experiences. It could also affect rural communities seeking economic development, tourists interested in farm experiences, and potentially agricultural agencies responsible for regulation and support. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet advanced to a full Senate vote. As a recently introduced bill (119th Congress), it's in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), reflecting potential interest from agricultural states. *Note: Complete details about specific provisions aren't available in the summary provided. For full information, check Congress.gov or the bill's official text.*
Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act
# Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act (S 888) would authorize federal funding and programs to improve outdoor recreation opportunities in Oregon, with a focus on maintaining trails, parks, and natural areas. The bill also addresses forest management, wildfire prevention, and emergency planning related to recreation areas. It directs the federal government to study and invest in Oregon's recreational infrastructure while balancing conservation with public access to wilderness areas and wildlife refuges. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects Oregon residents and visitors who use public lands for outdoor recreation. It also impacts federal land management agencies (like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management), local governments responsible for maintaining trails and parks, and communities in fire-prone areas that would benefit from improved emergency planning and forest management. **Current Status:** S 888 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon). The bill would need to pass out of committee and receive approval from both the Senate and House, then be signed by the President, to become law.
End Rent Fixing Act of 2025
# End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 would prohibit landlords and property management companies from using algorithms or data-sharing agreements to coordinate rental prices. In other words, it aims to prevent landlords from working together—either directly or through software tools—to set similar rents across properties in the same area. The bill treats this coordination as price fixing, which is already illegal in other industries but has not been clearly addressed in the rental housing market. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This legislation would primarily affect rental property owners, property management firms, and software companies that provide pricing tools to landlords. Tenants could potentially benefit if the bill reduces coordinated rent increases. The bill would likely include penalties for violations and enforcement mechanisms, though specific details are not available from the limited information provided. It addresses concerns that landlords may be using technology platforms to share data in ways that reduce competition and artificially inflate rents. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 3207) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and the bill would need to pass committee review, Senate floor votes, and House approval before becoming law.
Insurance Fraud Accountability Act
# Insurance Fraud Accountability Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Insurance Fraud Accountability Act (S 976) aims to strengthen enforcement against insurance fraud and improve accountability in the insurance industry. Based on its subject categories, the bill would likely establish stronger penalties for fraudulent practices, require better record-keeping and auditing by insurance companies, and create clearer procedures for investigating and prosecuting fraud cases. The legislation appears designed to protect both consumers and the integrity of the insurance system by cracking down on dishonest claims and deceptive practices. **Who It Affects and Key Areas** This bill would primarily affect insurance companies, healthcare providers, and potentially consumers who pay premiums. It addresses fraud across health insurance and general insurance markets. The legislation touches on multiple areas including criminal penalties for fraudsters, civil liability standards, regulatory oversight (involving the Department of Health and Human Services), and government transparency regarding fraud cases. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the Senate. As of now, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Emergency Relief for Hungry Families Act of 2025
# Emergency Relief for Hungry Families Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Emergency Relief for Hungry Families Act of 2025 would provide emergency assistance to families struggling with food insecurity. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to expand or temporarily increase food assistance programs to help low-income households afford groceries and meals during periods of economic hardship. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily benefit low-income families and individuals experiencing food insecurity. It could also affect state governments that administer federal food assistance programs, as well as food retailers and service providers who participate in these programs. **Current Status** The bill (S 3132) was introduced in the Senate during the 119th Congress and is currently in committee. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No further action has been taken at this time. *Note: Without access to the bill's full text, this summary is based on the title and general legislative context. For complete details on specific provisions, you can view the full bill at Congress.gov.*
A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs.
# Summary of SJRES 88 **What the Bill Does** This joint resolution would terminate a national emergency declaration that President Trump issued on April 2, 2025, to impose tariffs (taxes) on imported goods. Under that declaration, a 10% tariff was placed on most imports coming into the United States, with even higher duties on certain trading partners. If passed, this bill would end that emergency declaration and presumably roll back those tariffs. **Who It Affects** This bill would impact businesses that import goods, American consumers (who may face higher prices due to tariffs), U.S. trading partners, and domestic industries that compete with imports. It essentially determines whether tariff policies stay in place or are reversed. **Current Status and Key Details** The bill has already passed the Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon. The resolution relates to broader questions about presidential power—specifically, whether a president can use emergency declarations to implement major economic policies, and Congress's authority to overturn such declarations.
Protecting Free Vaccines Act of 2025
# Protecting Free Vaccines Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Protecting Free Vaccines Act of 2025 would prohibit health insurance companies from charging patients out-of-pocket costs (such as copayments or coinsurance) for vaccines. If passed, it would ensure that all recommended vaccines covered by insurance would be completely free to patients at the point of care, with no additional fees. The bill aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent people from getting vaccinated. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect people with health insurance coverage, as well as insurance companies and healthcare providers who administer vaccines. By eliminating patient costs for vaccines, it could increase vaccination rates across the population. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S. 2857) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced in the Senate but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). Without additional details on specific provisions, it appears the bill focuses on the straightforward goal of making vaccines free to insured patients.
Wildfire Smoke Relief Act
# Wildfire Smoke Relief Act (S 2856) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Wildfire Smoke Relief Act aims to help communities and individuals deal with the health and economic impacts of wildfire smoke. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on providing federal assistance, improving air quality monitoring, funding public health responses, and supporting affected regions during smoke events caused by wildfires. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact people living in areas prone to wildfires and smoke, particularly in western states like Oregon (where the sponsor is from). It could also affect public health agencies, air quality monitoring systems, and businesses in smoke-affected regions. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't advanced to a full Senate vote. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and further congressional action before it could potentially become law. *Note: For complete details on specific provisions and the bill's current progress, you can review the full text on Congress.gov.*
Billionaires Income Tax Act
# Billionaires Income Tax Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Billionaires Income Tax Act would impose a new annual tax on the wealthiest Americans. Specifically, it would tax the increased value of assets (like stocks and property) owned by individuals with a net worth exceeding $100 million, even if they haven't sold those assets yet. This is different from current tax law, which typically only taxes gains when assets are actually sold. The tax rate would apply to unrealized gains in asset value each year. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This tax would directly affect billionaires and very high-net-worth individuals. The bill aims to ensure wealthy people pay taxes annually on their growing wealth, not just when they cash in investments. Supporters argue it closes a tax loophole that allows the ultra-wealthy to indefinitely defer taxes by holding assets. Critics raise concerns about valuation challenges, potential economic impacts, and constitutional questions about taxing unrealized gains. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. As of now, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Protecting Americans from Doxing and Political Violence Act
# Summary of S. 2851: Protecting Americans from Doxing and Political Violence Act **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to create federal penalties for "doxing"—the practice of publicly sharing someone's private personal information (like home address, phone number, or family details) online with the intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence against them. If passed, it would make doxing a federal crime and allow victims to pursue legal action against those who engage in the practice. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill would primarily protect individuals targeted by doxing, including public figures, activists, government officials, and ordinary citizens. It targets people who intentionally release private information with the goal of enabling harassment or violence. The legislation addresses the growing problem of online harassment campaigns that can lead to real-world threats and violence. **Current Status:** As of now, S. 2851 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a floor vote in the Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward.
Protecting Legislators and Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence from Doxing and Political Violence Act
# Bill Summary: Protecting Legislators and Survivors from Doxing **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to protect members of Congress and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence from "doxing"—the practice of publicly sharing private personal information online (like home addresses, phone numbers, or family details) with the intent to harass or incite violence. If passed, the bill would establish legal penalties for people who deliberately dox these groups of people. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would directly protect U.S. legislators and their families, as well as survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The legislation appears designed to make doxing a federal crime with consequences for those who share such information to encourage harassment, threats, or violence. This reflects growing concerns about online harassment campaigns targeting public figures and vulnerable populations. **Current Status** The bill (S. 2850) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Bills in committee may be debated, modified, or may not advance further.
Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025
# Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025 Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill expands a federal program that helps schools buy fresh, domestically-grown fruits and vegetables for student lunches. Currently, the program can operate in up to 8 states; this bill would increase that to 14 states, allowing more schools across the country to participate. The bill would fund the program through 2030 and require detailed tracking of how well it works, including its effects on low-income communities and local farmers. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be school students in participating states who would have access to fresher produce in their lunches, as well as American farmers (especially small and minority-owned farms) who could sell more of their crops directly to schools. School districts and state agriculture departments would also be involved in implementing the expanded program. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2778, sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It would need committee approval and then broader congressional support to become law.
Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act
# Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act Summary This bill would give permanent authority to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)—the nonprofit organization that manages organ donation and transplant allocation in the U.S.—to collect fees from hospitals and transplant centers. Currently, this fee-collecting power expires and must be renewed periodically through Congress. The bill would make this authority permanent, meaning the OPTN could continue funding its operations without needing Congress to repeatedly reauthorize the fees. The bill primarily affects hospitals, transplant centers, and organ procurement organizations that pay OPTN fees, though indirectly impacts patients waiting for organ transplants. The key provision is removing the expiration date on the OPTN's fee authority, allowing the organization to maintain stable, continuous funding for its administrative and operational costs. This would streamline the process and reduce uncertainty around the organization's budget. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not been passed. It was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the 119th Congress.
Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act
# Summary of the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act **What the Bill Would Do** The Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act would require the Treasury Department to release financial records related to Jeffrey Epstein and potentially his associates. The bill aims to increase transparency around Epstein's financial activities and transactions that may have been tracked or documented by federal financial agencies. If passed, it would compel the government to produce these records, though likely with certain redactions to protect privacy or ongoing investigations. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This legislation would primarily affect the Treasury Department (which would have to compile and release the records) and could impact individuals named in those financial documents. The bill reflects broader interest in understanding the full scope of Epstein's financial network and any connections to other individuals or institutions. The specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, but the core purpose is disclosure of previously restricted financial data. **Current Status** The bill (S 2746) is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). For the bill to move forward, it would need committee approval and then require a Senate floor vote.