Rep. Dale W. Strong

Maddy summaryHR 6734 prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rule (2022R-17) defining "engaged in the business as a dealer in firearms." This bill directly affects the ATF by blocking funding for this specific regulatory rule, which was proposed in August 2023. The legislation does not create new requirements but prevents federal resources from being used to advance this particular ATF regulation.

Maddy summaryHR 6612, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2023, clarifies who qualifies for U.S. citizenship at birth under the 14th Amendment. It amends immigration law to define that a child born in the U.S. is "subject to the jurisdiction" for citizenship if one parent is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident living in the U.S., or an active-duty military member. The bill directly affects children born in the U.S. to parents in these specific categories, ensuring they meet the citizenship definition without altering the constitutional right itself. It explicitly states this definition applies only to births occurring after the law's enactment, leaving existing citizenship status unaffected for those born before. The bill aims to codify existing constitutional principles through specific, narrow criteria for parental status.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, clinics, or related entities. It directs that funds previously allocated to Planned Parenthood must instead support other providers - including community health centers, hospitals, and clinics - that offer women’s health services like contraception, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce overall federal funding for women’s health care or affect existing abortion-related funding restrictions in appropriations laws. It ensures continued access to these services through alternative providers, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 798 is a House resolution condemning support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at colleges and universities. It states such support may create a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff, citing incidents like blaming Israel for the October 7 Hamas attack. The resolution urges the Secretary of Education to direct the Office for Civil Rights to investigate and take action where appropriate. This non-binding resolution expresses the House's position but does not create new law or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

This resolution expresses unwavering support for Israel and a readiness to consider urgent requests for additional assistance to Israel to defend its people and sovereignty. The resolution also states that (1) Israel is entitled to act in self-defense against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and associated forces, as well as their state sponsors; and (2) the cross-border attacks and kidnappings against Israel constitute acts of international terrorism and aggression.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryHR 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to clarify that federal education funds cannot be used for certain weapons - but this restriction does not apply to archery, hunting, or other shooting sports training programs. The bill directly affects schools and educational programs seeking to use federal funds for these specific activities, such as archery clubs or hunting safety education. It adds an explicit exception to the existing prohibition, allowing funds to support "educational instruction or enrichment activities" in these sports under authorized programs. This change removes ambiguity about funding eligibility for such educational initiatives in K-12 schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures continued pay for certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees during a government funding gap in fiscal year 2024. It specifically covers CBP agents at Southwest, Northern, and maritime border ports of entry, and ICE officers conducting immigration enforcement (including detainment/removal) and investigations into criminal operations like drug trafficking and human smuggling. The funding, drawn from general Treasury funds, would apply if a budget lapse begins on October 1, 2023, and would last until January 1, 2024, or until new funding is enacted. It directly affects these frontline enforcement personnel by guaranteeing their salaries during a potential government shutdown.