The Plain Record — Front Page

H.R. 4795 — Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act

This bill prohibits colleges and universities that participate in federal student aid programs from engaging in commercial boycotts against Israel or Israeli-regulated entities. The legislation requires institutions receiving federal funding for international education to certify annually that they allow students and faculty to participate in Israeli academic programs under the same conditions as those in other foreign countries. Introduced by Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC), the bill passed the House in September 2026. If enacted, these restrictions would apply to any institution of higher education seeking or receiving federal Title VI funds for foreign language and international studies.

H.R. 1501 — Protecting Domestic Mining Act

This bill grants statutory authority to federal agencies to expedite environmental reviews for mining infrastructure projects by permanently adding them to the FAST Act’s streamlined permitting process. It prohibits the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council from limiting these expedited reviews only to critical minerals, effectively maintaining a broader scope of eligible mining activities. The legislation applies to domestic mining operations and codifies standards previously established by a 2021 federal rule. Introduced by Representative Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), the bill passed the House in September 2026.

H.J.Res. 1 — Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to mandate that the Supreme Court of the United States consist of exactly nine members. The proposal specifically requires the Court to be composed of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, effectively preventing future legislative changes to the size of the bench. Introduced by Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ), the measure failed to pass the House of Representatives in September 2026 after falling short of the required two-thirds majority vote.

H.R. 1501 — Protecting Domestic Mining Act

This bill grants statutory authority to federal agencies to expedite environmental reviews for mining infrastructure projects by permanently adding them to the FAST Act’s streamlined permitting process. It prohibits the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council from limiting these expedited reviews only to critical minerals, effectively maintaining a broader scope of eligible mining activities. The legislation applies to domestic mining operations and codifies standards previously established by a 2021 federal rule. Introduced by Representative Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), the bill passed the House in September 2026.

Disaster Relief - 2025-2026 Declarations

$21.0B · active

Israel Military Aid Package

$17.9B · active

Federal Workforce Buyout & Restructuring

$14.0B · active

Mass Deportation Operations (ICE Enforcement Surge)

$9.8B · active

Foods Alive Recalls Organic Moringa Leaf Powder Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA

American Regent, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Three Lots of Epinephrine Injection, USP 30 mg/ 30 mL (1 mg/mL) Due to the Presence of Particulate Matter and Lack of Assurance of Sterility

FDA

SUPPLX.com Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Business Pill and Branch Manager for Men Due to Undeclared Yohimbine

FDA

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. Expands Recall to Include One Lot of Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend Because of Potential Contamination with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145)

FDA

The 25th Amendment, explained: how presidential succession and disability actually work

The amendment sets out four separate procedures — for succession, for filling a vice presidential vacancy, and for handling a president who is unable to serve. Here is what each section says and what it requires.

How a bill becomes law

The full path a proposal takes from introduction to the president's desk, and the points where most bills die.

What a government shutdown is

Why funding lapses happen, which services stop, and how the standoff usually ends.

The filibuster and the 60-vote Senate

How unlimited debate became a routine supermajority requirement, and what the carve-outs are.