Rep. Brett Guthrie

Maddy summaryThis bill ends judicial deference to federal agency interpretations of laws (known as "Chevron deference"). It requires agencies to review past interpretations they relied on under Chevron, publish revised positions, and only issue rules when explicitly authorized by Congress. The bill also mandates that courts interpret statutes themselves rather than favoring agency views, requires criminal penalties to include proof of intent ("mens rea"), and ensures agency decisions are based only on publicly accessible materials. These changes directly affect federal agencies, courts, and individuals or businesses subject to agency regulations or penalties.

Maddy summaryHJRES 170 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a federal rule that would have required new housing projects financed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to meet specific energy efficiency standards. The rule, published in April 2024, aimed to set these standards for new construction in federally subsidized housing. If passed, this resolution would block the rule under the Congressional Review Act, making it legally void. It directly affects developers and builders of HUD- and USDA-financed housing by removing the requirement to comply with these energy standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJRES 169) is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule that would have listed six freshwater mussels as endangered and one as threatened, with critical habitat protections. It directly aims to block the rule's implementation, preventing federal protections for species like the Guadalupe Fatmucket and Texas Fawnsfoot. The resolution would nullify the rule (published June 4, 2024) under a specific legal process, meaning the listed mussels would not receive the designated endangered or threatened status and habitat protections. The bill does not create new protections but seeks to halt an existing regulatory action.

Maddy summaryHRES 1303 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 14, 2024, that condemns the Biden administration's suspension of pending approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. The resolution argues this action is politically motivated, citing studies showing economic benefits of LNG exports and noting that previous administrations conducted similar environmental reviews without halting permits. It calls for lifting the suspension to restore confidence in the energy sector, prioritize U.S. workers and communities, and align with the administration's stated goals of economic growth. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally expresses congressional disapproval of the administration's approach.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 113) is a symbolic congressional tribute honoring former President George H.W. Bush on the occasion of his 100th birthday. It recognizes his life, public service, and legacy without creating any new laws or affecting specific individuals or groups. The resolution formally acknowledges his career achievements, including his military service, presidency, and contributions to policy like the Americans with Disabilities Act, while expressing Congress's gratitude to him and his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or policy impact.

Maddy summaryHRES 965 is a non-binding resolution calling for the immediate release of Ryan Corbett, a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since August 2022. It directly affects Corbett (held in poor conditions without charges) and other Americans detained by the Taliban. The resolution demands the Taliban release Corbett unconditionally, urges respect for his human rights, commends Qatar’s role as U.S. protecting power, and condemns the Taliban’s practice of detaining U.S. citizens. It does not create new law but formally expresses congressional support for Corbett and other wrongfully detained Americans.

Maddy summaryHJRES 166 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Labor rule that would have changed overtime exemption standards for certain salaried workers. The rule, published in April 2024, aimed to redefine how executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees are classified for overtime pay under federal law. If enacted, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving the existing classification system for these workers.

Maddy summaryHR 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing or facilitating central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly to individuals through financial institutions. It specifically bans Federal Reserve banks from offering digital products to individuals, maintaining individual accounts, or using CBDC for monetary policy implementation. The bill also clarifies that its restrictions do not apply to existing physical cash or private, permissionless digital payment systems. This bill directly affects the Federal Reserve's ability to develop or deploy a government-run digital dollar. The law aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from creating a digital currency that could enable transaction tracking or government oversight of personal financial activity.

Maddy summaryHJRES 152 is a congressional resolution seeking to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule on managing coal ash waste from power plants, specifically for older disposal ponds (legacy CCR surface impoundments). The rule, published on May 8, 2024, established requirements for electric utilities to handle coal ash, including safety standards for existing disposal sites. If passed, this resolution would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect, removing the compliance requirements for utilities. This directly affects electric utilities that manage coal ash and the EPA's regulatory authority over waste disposal practices.

Maddy summaryHJRES 150 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established updated national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from coal and oil-fired power plants. The resolution targets the EPA's specific rule published on May 7, 2024, which required these facilities to review residual risks and technologies to reduce emissions. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the rule, preventing the new standards from taking effect and keeping current regulations in place for power plants. This procedural bill uses the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to block the EPA rule without altering existing environmental laws.