Rep. Robert B. Aderholt

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to meet specific on-time delivery performance standards for periodicals (newspapers and magazines) before the Postal Regulatory Commission can approve new rate increases for those services. It mandates annual public reports tracking USPS's on-time delivery performance for both in-county and out-of-county newspaper mail, with requirements for data collection if individual mail tracking isn't feasible. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study alternative pricing models for periodicals that don't cover their costs, with a report due within two years. These provisions directly affect USPS operations, newspaper publishers, and the postal rate-setting process, aiming to link service quality to financial decisions.

Maddy summary# Summary of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 This is a comprehensive federal appropriations bill for fiscal year 2025 that allocates funding to the Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education, and various related agencies. ## Key Funding Allocations - **HHS**: $46,159,083,000 for Supplemental Security Income Program (with $22.1 billion for title XVI benefit payments in FY2026) - **Education**: $23,545,352,000 for Student Financial Assistance (with a maximum Pell Grant of $6,335 for 2025-2026) - **Social Security Administration**: $13,654,776,000 for administrative expenses - **Institute of Education Sciences**: $740,373,000 ## Major Restrictions and Prohibitions 1. **Abortion Funding**: - No funds may be used for any abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when a woman's life is endangered - No funds may be used for health benefits coverage that includes abortion 2. **Research Restrictions**: - Prohibits funding for research involving human embryos or research that destroys embryos - Prohibits funding for any activity promoting legalization of Schedule I drugs (except for normal executive-legislative communications) 3. **Policy Prohibitions**: - Prohibits funding for any program promoting or advancing Critical Race Theory - Prohibits funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, programs, or training - Prohibits funding for any program teaching concepts that regard the U.S. as systemically racist - Prohibits implementation of Executive Order 13985 (relating to racial equity) - Prohibits implementation of any COVID-19 mask or vaccine mandate 4. **Specific Entity Restrictions**: - Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology, EcoHealth Alliance, and laboratories owned by certain foreign governments - Prohibits funding for gain-of-function research - Prohibits funding for entities listed under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act 5. **Other Significant Provisions**: - Requires reports on non-competitive grants exceeding $500,000 - Limits telework (requires agencies to report on employees receiving DC locality pay without reporting to office >1 day/week) - Prohibits funding for any entity that discriminates against religious organizations - Requires certification for libraries receiving funds under the Library Services and Technology Act The bill contains numerous specific prohibitions on how funds may be used, with many sections beginning with "None of the funds made available in this Act may be used for..." reflecting a conservative approach to federal spending with numerous policy restrictions embedded in the appropriations process.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through fiscal year 2026. It extends the commission's funding authorization from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 and delays the expiration date of its statutory authorization from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2026. The bill directly affects USCIRF by ensuring its continued operation and funding without altering its existing mandate or reporting requirements. It is a procedural extension, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHRES 1355 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors lineworkers who maintain electrical infrastructure under hazardous conditions, including during disasters, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while troubleshooting an electrical outage. The resolution encourages public recognition of these workers' contributions but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents student athletes (and former athletes) from being classified as employees under federal or state law solely due to their participation in varsity intercollegiate sports programs or competitions. It directly affects college athletes whose eligibility or participation might otherwise be challenged under employment law. The key provision explicitly states that institutions, conferences, or associations cannot consider athletes as employees based on their sports involvement, regardless of existing rules or requirements. This is a definitional and legal clarification, not a new benefit or compensation measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for elementary and secondary schools that partner with Chinese government-funded programs, including Confucius Institutes, Confucius Classrooms, or other entities receiving support from China's government (e.g., through teaching materials, personnel, or funds). It directly affects schools with these specific ties to the People's Republic of China. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, with the Education Secretary required to notify schools and provide compliance guidance within 90 days of enactment. The policy change blocks federal education funds for schools meeting the defined criteria, without altering existing educational content or curriculum standards.

Maddy summaryThe Conscience Protection Act of 2024 would strengthen protections for health care providers, facilities, and organizations that refuse to participate in or provide coverage for abortions, assisted suicide, or other procedures conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs. It creates a private right of action allowing individuals or entities to sue when their conscience rights are violated, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce existing conscience protections through the Office for Civil Rights. The bill prohibits discrimination against health care entities that decline to provide or facilitate these services, while ensuring these protections don't interfere with emergency care requirements under existing law. It also establishes clearer enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to terminate federal funding for non-compliance with conscience protections.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 115 is a procedural resolution calling for a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 2026. It directs both the House and Senate to convene together at Independence National Historical Park to commemorate the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it solely schedules a ceremonial event honoring Philadelphia's historical role as the site where the Declaration was approved. This is a non-binding commemorative measure focused on marking a historical milestone.

Maddy summaryHRES 1311 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision (June 24, 2022), which overturned *Roe v. Wade*. It celebrates the ruling as a step toward protecting unborn life and commits the House to supporting families and policies aligned with its view of unborn life's humanity. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific group directly - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the House's position on the Dobbs ruling.