PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Nov 19, 2014
Secret Science Reform Act of 2014 - Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating a covered action unless all scientific and technical information relied on to support such action is specifically identified and publicly available online in a manner sufficient for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of research results. Includes as a covered action a risk, exposure, or hazard assessment, criteria document, standard, limitation, regulation, regulatory impact analysis, or guidance.
People & committees
Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-6] · R–AZ
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 237 - 190 (Roll no. 528).
House roll call 528 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 237 - 190 (Roll no. 528).
House roll call 528 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 196 - 230 (Roll no. 527).
House roll call 527 · Individual votesThe previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H8101)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the E. B. Johnson (TX) motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to exempt any Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation that protects communities in an emergency, including an Ebola or pandemic flu outbreak, the release of toxic chemicals, or a nuclear, biological, or terrorist attack. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was removed.
Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. (consideration: CR H8100-8102; text: CR H8100-8101)
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H8097)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H8100)
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4012.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 756, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kennedy Part B amendment No. 2.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 756, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar Part B amendment No. 1.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4012.
The Speaker designated the Honorable John J. Duncan, Jr. to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 756 and Rule XVIII.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012 and H.R. 4795. General debate is limited to 1 hour for each bill. The resolution specifies certain amendments are in order for H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. One motion to recommit with instructions is permitted for each bill.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 756. (consideration: CR H8087-8103)
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 756 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. General debate is limited to 1 hour for each bill. The resolution specifies certain amendments are in order for H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. One motion to recommit with instructions is permitted for each bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 460.
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 113-619.
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 113-619.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Environment Prior to Referral.
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4012 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.4012 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.4012 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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