Rep. John H. Rutherford

Improving Government for America's Taxpayers Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in its annual report to Congress, to consolidate matters for congressional consideration into one report, organized by policy topic, and to identify congressional oversight actions that can help agencies implement unimplemented priority recommendations. The GAO is also required to publish the above information and publish any known costs of unimplemented priority recommendations.

Uyghur Policy Act of 2021 This bill addresses human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and other minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may, subject to appropriations, make certain funds available to human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups persecuted in China. The funds, if made available, shall be used to facilitate the presence of such human rights advocates at public diplomacy forums to speak on issues related to the human rights and religious freedoms of minority groups persecuted in China. The State Department must ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers. It must also ensure that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in China.

One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2022 This bill authorizes grants to support community-based reentry resources for previously incarcerated individuals who return to their communities. First, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants for community-based nonprofit organizations to create community reentry centers. Second, the bill authorizes DOJ to make grants for states, Indian tribes, and local governments to operate reentry services assistance hotlines.

This bill prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from issuing an interim or final rule that includes an area closure in the South Atlantic for species managed under the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan until (1) the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete, and (2) the data related to such study is integrated into the South Atlantic red snapper research track and operational stock assessment.

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense from paying for or reimbursing (1) any fees or expenses relating to a health care professional gaining a license in a state if the purpose of gaining such license is to provide abortion services, or (2) travel expenses related to abortion services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1491) is a ceremonial measure recognizing the 75th anniversary of Everglades National Park, celebrated on December 6, 2022. It highlights the park’s ecological significance, including its role in providing freshwater to 10 million Floridians and supporting diverse habitats. The resolution expresses support for continued funding to advance the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan but does not create new laws or alter existing policies. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct impact on regulations, budgets, or affected groups.

This resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of Everglades National Park in Florida and expresses the dedication of the House of Representatives to the success of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act or the INFORM Consumers Act This bill requires online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon) to collect and verify certain contact and financial information from third-party sellers whose transactions and related revenues exceed specified thresholds. Subject to certain exceptions, online marketplaces must clearly and conspicuously disclose the contact information of certain high-volume third-party sellers to consumers and must also provide consumers with methods to report suspicious activity on the marketplace. The bill provides the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general with the authority to enforce these requirements.

Lymphedema Treatment Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of standard and custom fitted gradient compression garments and other approved items that are prescribed by a physician or other specified health care professional to treat lymphedema.

This resolution condemns recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches and calls on the current presidential administration to use appropriate law enforcement authorities to support their safety.