PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Jan 22, 2019
Clean Up the Code Act of 2019
This bill repeals specified sections of the federal criminal code, including provisions that prohibit the following:
interstate transport of alligator grass, water chestnut plants, or water hyacinth plants;
fraudulent use of the 4-H club emblem (i.e., the green four-leaf clover with stem);
unauthorized use of the Smokey Bear character or name; and
unauthorized use of the Woodsy Owl character, name, or slogan.
People & committees
Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] · R–OH
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H967-968)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H967-968)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 498.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H967-970)
Mr. Johnson (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.498 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.498 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.498 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.
Examine H.R.498 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.