Rep. W. Gregory Steube

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits hospitals and transplant centers from denying organ transplants or related services to people with disabilities solely because of their disability. It requires covered entities to make reasonable modifications to policies (like considering a patient's support network for post-transplant care) and provide auxiliary aids (such as communication services or accessible health information). The law specifically prevents discrimination based on disability during evaluation, listing, and treatment, while clarifying that medical decisions must be based on individualized assessments - not disability alone. It applies to all organ transplant processes and allows individuals to file complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services or sue for violations.

Maddy summaryHR 9745, the Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024, removes barriers for state and local law enforcement agencies to access existing federal equipment. It prohibits federal agencies from enforcing any regulations (since May 15, 2015) that limit the transfer of Department of Defense or other federal equipment to police departments, unless Congress passes those rules into law. The bill also requires agencies to return or replace equipment recalled since 2015 under those regulations, provided the agency requests it, meets existing eligibility rules, and the equipment is available. This directly affects police departments that previously had equipment seized or denied under the blocked regulations. The law focuses on restoring access to current equipment-sharing programs, not creating new funding or gear.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on April 19, 2024. The resolution seeks to block the ATF's rule that redefined the term "engaged in the business" for firearm dealers, which would have affected how federal licensing requirements apply to certain sellers. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The bill directly impacts firearm dealers operating under the current regulatory framework and the ATF's enforcement authority.

Maddy summaryHR 9675, the Homeward Bound Act, delays and revises federal rules governing dog imports for specific groups. It postpones the application of a 2024 HHS rule for 18 months, directly affecting military personnel stationed abroad, U.S. diplomats/consular staff, their families, and individuals with service animals seeking to import dogs from rabies-low-risk countries. The bill requires the HHS Secretary to revise regulations within 10 days to allow all-age dog imports at any U.S. port of entry from these countries and waive microchipping requirements for dogs born before the law's enactment. These changes aim to simplify import processes for covered individuals while maintaining rabies risk standards.

Maddy summaryThe PAGER Act restricts U.S. military aid to Lebanon’s armed forces and internal security forces until the Secretary of State certifies specific conditions regarding Hezbollah and Iranian influence. Key conditions include Lebanon no longer recognizing Hezbollah or allied groups as legitimate political entities, implementing UN Resolution 1559 (disarming militias), expelling Hezbollah from strongholds, ending coordination with Hezbollah or Iran, and dismissing legal cases against Americans who criticized Hezbollah. The bill also prohibits U.S. funding for UN programs supporting Lebanese military livelihoods. It mandates regular reports to Congress on Hezbollah and Iranian influence in Lebanon’s government. This directly affects U.S. foreign assistance to Lebanon’s security forces and requires Lebanon to meet defined security and political benchmarks.

Maddy summaryHR 8292, the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, increases penalties for unauthorized disclosures of taxpayer information under the Internal Revenue Code. It raises fines from $5,000 to $250,000 per violation and increases potential jail time from 5 to 10 years for those who disclose such data. The bill also specifies that if a single disclosure affects multiple taxpayers, each affected person counts as a separate violation, potentially increasing penalties. This law directly affects IRS employees and government workers handling taxpayer data, applying to disclosures made after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 1425, the "No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act," requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness treaty through a two-thirds vote. The bill deems any convention, agreement, or international instrument on pandemic prevention drafted by the WHO’s International Negotiating Body (INB) as a treaty subject to Senate ratification, rather than allowing it to take effect as an executive agreement. This directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation regarding WHO agreements, ensuring Congress has a formal role in approving such binding international commitments. The bill stems from congressional concerns about WHO’s pandemic response and public skepticism toward the organization, as outlined in its findings.

Maddy summaryHR 705, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from automatically sending veterans' personal information to the national background check system solely because a fiduciary (like a guardian) manages their benefits. It specifically blocks the VA from sharing this data with the Justice Department without a court order finding the veteran a danger to themselves or others. This directly affects veterans who have a fiduciary appointed due to incapacity but are not deemed dangerous, preventing automatic barriers to firearm purchases based only on their fiduciary status. The bill amends 38 U.S.C. § 5501B to require judicial authorization before such data can be transmitted.

Maddy summaryHRES 1447 is a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating the week of September 22-28, 2024, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week." It directly honors families who lost loved ones while serving in the U.S. military (referred to as "Gold Star Families") and families of veterans. The resolution encourages Americans to observe the week by performing community service and celebrating the sacrifices of fallen service members, without creating new laws or obligations. It aligns with existing recognition of Gold Star Mother’s Day (the last Sunday in September) but expands the focus to all affected families.