Rep. Mike Collins

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 117 is a joint resolution that would disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning the reconsideration of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, was part of the agency’s process to review these standards, which set limits for harmful air pollutants. This resolution invokes a congressional disapproval procedure under federal law to block the rule from taking effect. If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect, preserving the existing air quality standards for particulate matter.

Maddy summaryHRES 1438 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 11, 2024, condemning the September 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. It honors the four victims - Christian Angulo, Richard Aspinwall II, Cristina Irimie, and Mason Schermerhorn - expresses condolences to their families and the Winder community, and acknowledges the trauma experienced by students, staff, and the broader community. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions; it serves solely as a formal expression of grief and support following the tragedy.

Maddy summaryHR 9534, the National Constitutional Carry Act, would prohibit states and localities from banning or restricting the public carrying of legally owned firearms by eligible U.S. citizens. It directly affects all gun owners who meet federal and state possession requirements, removing the need for permits or licenses to carry in public spaces. Key provisions state that any state law restricting public carry - such as requiring permits or imposing financial barriers - would be invalidated, with exceptions for privately-owned businesses that clearly prohibit firearms or locations with security screening. The bill bases this on Supreme Court rulings affirming the constitutional right to carry firearms for self-defense outside the home.

Maddy summaryThe Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop or identify free, practical resources to help small businesses understand and adopt artificial intelligence. These resources - including technical standards, best practices, case studies, and benchmarks - must be technology-neutral, applicable across business types, and based on international standards. NIST must review and update these resources every two years and report to Congress on their development and effectiveness within four years. The resources are voluntary, and NIST will coordinate with the Small Business Administration to distribute them through existing channels. This bill directly supports small business concerns as defined by the Small Business Act.

Maddy summaryHR 9388, the Modern Firearm Safety Act, prohibits federal, state, and local governments from requiring certain safety features on handguns sold in interstate commerce. The bill specifically bans mandates for: loaded indicators, magazine insertion mechanisms, microstamping (microscopic markings on shell casings), or attachment points for such features. This directly affects handgun manufacturers and state/local governments that might have proposed or implemented such requirements. The law prevents new regulations requiring these features on handguns commonly used by the public, focusing on removing specific technical mandates rather than broader safety measures.

Maddy summaryThe SAFER at the Border Act prohibits the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from temporarily admitting (paroling) certain individuals at the border. It defines "known terrorists" (those arrested, charged, or convicted for terrorism), "suspected terrorists" (reasonably suspected of terrorism), and "special interest aliens" (those with potential terrorism links based on travel patterns). The bill explicitly bans parole for these individuals, even for humanitarian reasons or public benefit, and also prohibits parole for refugees. Additionally, it allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security if they suffer financial harm exceeding $100 from the parole of such individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution aims to block a rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that sets new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars, light trucks (starting in 2027), and heavy-duty pickup trucks/vans (starting in 2030). If passed, it would prevent this specific rule from taking effect by disapproving it under a congressional review process. The rule directly affects vehicle manufacturers by requiring them to meet these updated fuel economy targets for future model years. This is a procedural resolution, not a new law, focused solely on halting the implementation of the existing NHTSA rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 9242) renames a U.S. Department of Agriculture facility in Athens, Georgia, as the "Abit Massey Poultry Research Center." It directly affects the U.S. National Poultry Research Center and all federal documents referencing it, requiring updates to official records, maps, and publications. The bill makes no policy changes; it solely updates the facility's name and all related government references to honor Abit Massey.

Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2024 This bill prohibits states or localities from imposing a levy or collecting an excise tax on the sale of a firearm, ammunition, or any part or component thereof, by a manufacture or retailer.

Maddy summaryHRES 1394 is a non-binding resolution celebrating the U.S.-India partnership based on shared democratic values, religious pluralism, and human rights, while highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the United States. It specifically recognizes the 50th anniversary of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha's community work, including its spiritual centers (mandirs) and volunteer efforts across the country. The resolution does not create legal obligations but formally acknowledges these ties and achievements.