This legislation, known as the "One Subject at a Time Act," aims to restrict congressional bills and joint resolutions to a single, clearly defined subject. It requires that the subject of any bill or joint resolution be clearly and descriptively expressed in its title . Furthermore, it explicitly prohibits appropriation bills from containing general legislation or modifications to existing law that are not directly relevant to the appropriation's subject matter, though it allows for provisions limiting the expenditure of appropriated funds. The bill establishes a robust enforcement mechanism, declaring an entire act void if its title addresses two or more unrelated subjects. If an act's title covers a single subject but the act contains provisions on an unexpressed subject, only those specific provisions are voided. Similarly, provisions in appropriation bills that fall outside the relevant subcommittee's jurisdiction or are not germane to the bill's subject matter are also void. Critically, any person or Member of Congress aggrieved by non-compliance can initiate a judicial action to seek relief, including an injunction against the enforcement of non-conforming laws , with a de novo standard of review.
AppropriationsCivil actions and liabilityGovernment liabilityLegislative rules and procedure
One Subject at a Time Act
USA119th CongressS-59| Senate
| Updated: 1/9/2025
This legislation, known as the "One Subject at a Time Act," aims to restrict congressional bills and joint resolutions to a single, clearly defined subject. It requires that the subject of any bill or joint resolution be clearly and descriptively expressed in its title . Furthermore, it explicitly prohibits appropriation bills from containing general legislation or modifications to existing law that are not directly relevant to the appropriation's subject matter, though it allows for provisions limiting the expenditure of appropriated funds. The bill establishes a robust enforcement mechanism, declaring an entire act void if its title addresses two or more unrelated subjects. If an act's title covers a single subject but the act contains provisions on an unexpressed subject, only those specific provisions are voided. Similarly, provisions in appropriation bills that fall outside the relevant subcommittee's jurisdiction or are not germane to the bill's subject matter are also void. Critically, any person or Member of Congress aggrieved by non-compliance can initiate a judicial action to seek relief, including an injunction against the enforcement of non-conforming laws , with a de novo standard of review.