PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Apr 10, 2000
Freedom to E-File Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Internet-based filing and retrieval system to enable farmers and other persons to: (1) electronically file paperwork required by the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and certain rural development components of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) have electronic access to production agriculture information. Directs the Secretary to ensure system interoperability.Sets forth implementation timetables.Obligates amounts from such agencies' information technology funds for the filing and retrieval system.
People & committees
Sen. Fitzgerald, Peter [R-IL] · R–IL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 106-222.
Became Public Law No: 106-222.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendments Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H3892-3893; text CR H3892)
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendments Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H3892-3893; text CR H3892)
Mr. LaHood asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendments.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate concurred to the House amendments, with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate concurred to the House amendments, with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4215-4216)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendments to Senate bill.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 - 1 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1973)
House roll call 113 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 - 1 (Roll no. 113).(text: CR H1973)
House roll call 113 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1986)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 777.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1973-1975)
Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S14045-14046)
Senate Committee on Agriculture discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Agriculture discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14045)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3641)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Feb 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.777 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 S.777 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 S.777 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 S.777 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.