Rep. Barry Loudermilk

Maddy summaryThe American FIRST Act of 2023 requires U.S. banking regulators to provide Congress with detailed reports before implementing certain rules or recommendations. Regulators must submit notice, a justification report, and potential testimony 120 days before implementing rules that would cost $10 billion or more annually or align with international recommendations from organizations like the Financial Stability Board. The bill also mandates annual reporting on all interactions with international banking organizations, including details about their funding sources. It removes the "Vice Chairman for Supervision" position at the Federal Reserve. The bill directly affects five major banking regulators: the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, NCUA, and FHFA.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) authority to enforce rules against "unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices" (UDAAP) affecting consumers. It defines "abusive" acts as those intentionally interfering with consumer understanding or taking unreasonable advantage of consumer vulnerabilities, requiring the CFPB to provide a clear definition within 180 days. Financial institutions must now receive written notice and 180 days to correct potential violations before penalties are imposed, and the CFPB must conduct cost-benefit analyses for new rules. The bill also prohibits the CFPB from treating discrimination as part of UDAAP enforcement and limits penalties for past conduct to the most recent compliance rating period.

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 summaryHJRES 88 is a resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment options for federal student loan borrowers. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2023, targeted the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. This resolution uses the Congressional Review Act process to disapprove the rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving the current repayment structure. If enacted, it would stop the proposed changes to repayment terms without altering existing loan policies.

Maddy summaryHR 6573, the Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2023, prohibits data brokers from selling, reselling, or sharing military servicemember lists to "covered nations" (as defined in federal law). It directly affects military members by preventing their personal information - contained in specialized lists created for compiling military service details - from being sold to specific foreign governments. The key mechanism bans the commercial transfer of these lists, with enforcement handled by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general. The law takes effect within one year of enactment or when the FTC issues final rules, whichever comes first. This is a concrete policy change targeting data brokers' practices, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryHRES 910 is a commemorative resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States (1977-1981). The resolution expresses the House's mourning for her passing and recognizes her advocacy for mental health care, founding of The Carter Center, and work establishing support for family caregivers through the Rosalynn Carter Institute. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates her humanitarian contributions. This procedural resolution was introduced by Georgia representatives and passed unanimously on December 5, 2023.

Maddy summaryHR 6588, the International Financial Institution Counter Terrorism Accountability Act, requires the U.S. Treasury Secretary to submit a detailed report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. The report must list countries supported by the World Bank and IMF, detail their anti-terrorism financing and money laundering programs, disclose spending on these efforts (including U.S. government funds over 10 years), and evaluate program effectiveness. Within 90 days of the report, the Treasury must develop recommendations to improve these efforts and direct U.S. representatives at the World Bank and IMF to advocate for their implementation. The bill directly affects the World Bank and IMF by mandating transparency and accountability in their counter-terrorism financing work.

Maddy summaryHR 6589, the "Prevent the Financing of Terrorism Through the Drug Trade Act," requires the Treasury Secretary to submit a detailed report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. The report must analyze Hamas and Hezbollah's money sources, funds held, links to drug trafficking, and U.S. efforts to disrupt their financing in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It also mandates that the next National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment report identify Hamas as a "Primary Threat" and describe its financing activities. The bill directly affects U.S. financial intelligence and counterterrorism reporting mechanisms, focusing on terrorist financing in the Americas. This is a procedural requirement for federal reporting, not a direct policy change for the public.

Maddy summaryHR 6504, the Protect American Gun Exporters Act, blocks the Department of Commerce from implementing a pause on new export licenses for specific firearm exports (items under Commerce Control List numbers 0A501, 0A502, 0A504, and 0A505). The bill directly affects U.S. gun exporters by preventing the Commerce Secretary from enforcing the October 2023 pause or similar restrictions on these exports. Key provisions prohibit the Secretary from taking any action to carry out the pause unless it follows standard regulatory processes, including a required impact analysis and compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and Congressional Review Act. This bill does not create new export rules but stops the existing pause on certain firearm exports.

Maddy summaryHRES 875 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for National Adoption Day (November 18, 2023) and National Adoption Month (November). It does not create new laws or policies but formally encourages the public to consider adoption and recognizes the importance of permanent families for children in foster care. The resolution highlights that approximately 114,000 children in the U.S. foster system await adoption and emphasizes the goal of securing safety and permanency for all children. It urges Americans to support adoption efforts during November and throughout the year. This resolution has no direct legal effect on adoption processes or funding.