Rep. Byron Donalds

Maddy summaryHR 3169, the Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2023, requires the Department of Homeland Security to inspect internet-connected foreign cranes deemed high-risk for security threats before they are used at U.S. ports. It mandates a threat assessment of existing and new cranes within 180 days of enactment and orders cranes posing security risks to be taken offline until certified safe. The bill prohibits operating new foreign cranes (from "covered foreign countries" like those identified as adversaries by U.S. intelligence) after enactment and bans the use of foreign software on port cranes after a 5-year deadline. This directly affects port operators and crane manufacturers from countries designated as security threats, focusing on securing port cyber infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHRES 1496 is a resolution supporting the designation of October 23, 2024, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It aims to raise public awareness about the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas. The resolution encourages community engagement with these protected sites and acknowledges their role in conserving biodiversity, supporting local economies, and providing recreational opportunities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of marine sanctuaries.

Maddy summaryHR 8683 requires the Secretaries of Defense and State to map global strategic ports critical to U.S. interests (military, economic, or diplomatic) and track China's efforts to build or buy such ports. Within 180 days of enactment, they must submit a strategy to counter Chinese port investments, including analyzing Chinese port capabilities, ongoing projects, and vulnerabilities like cyber attacks linked to China. The bill also mandates coordination with agencies like the Export-Import Bank to promote U.S. or allied alternatives to Chinese port investments. It directly affects federal agencies responsible for defense, diplomacy, and development finance, focusing on monitoring and strategic planning rather than immediate policy changes.

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 summaryHJRES 136 is a resolution seeking to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have set new emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles sold in 2027 and later model years. The EPA rule, published in April 2024, aimed to require vehicle manufacturers to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing the EPA from enforcing the new standards. It uses a congressional process that allows Congress to reject agency rules with a simple majority vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts federal funding for jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It defines a "sanctuary jurisdiction" as any state or local government that prohibits sharing immigration status information or complying with federal detainer requests (except for crime victims/witnesses). Starting after enactment, such jurisdictions lose eligibility for federal funds intended to provide food, shelter, healthcare, legal services, or transportation to undocumented immigrants. The law directly affects cities and states with specific immigration policies, not the immigrants themselves.

Maddy summaryHR 3724, officially titled the "Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2023," amends federal accreditation rules to prohibit accrediting agencies from requiring colleges to support or oppose specific political views, social issues, or ideologies. It specifically bans standards that assess institutions based on their commitment to particular beliefs or that restrict religiously affiliated colleges from maintaining their mission or requiring statements of faith. The bill directly affects all colleges seeking or maintaining federal accreditation by setting clear boundaries for accrediting agencies. It aims to ensure accreditation focuses solely on educational quality, not political or ideological alignment.

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 summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to better assess how regulations impact small businesses by expanding the types of regulations that must be analyzed, requiring consideration of both negative and positive economic effects, and adding detailed analysis requirements. It expands the definition of "small entity" to include tribal organizations, adds requirements for analyzing land management plans and certain tax-related rules, and gives the Small Business Administration's Chief Counsel additional authority to review agency rules. The bill also includes a provision to waive fines for small businesses' first-time paperwork violations, aiming to make the regulatory process more responsive to small business needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJRES 163) is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule finalized on May 9, 2024. The EPA rule established new emissions standards for greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power plants (both new and existing) and repealed a previous rule called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution would block this EPA rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). If passed, it would prevent the EPA rule from being enforced, directly affecting fossil fuel power plant operators and the EPA’s regulatory authority over emissions.