Rep. Richard McCormick

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes sanctions on individuals and entities within the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that administer or support a system paying terrorists and their families. It targets PA/PLO officials, specific entities like the Commission of Prisoners, and financial institutions processing these payments, requiring property blocking, visa bans, and restrictions on U.S. financial transactions. The sanctions apply if the PA/PLO continues payments described in the Taylor Force Act (2018), which previously mandated ending such payments. The bill terminates if the Secretary of State certifies the PA/PLO has ceased these payments.

Maddy summaryHJRES 165 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule issued in April 2024 that updated protections against sex discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. The resolution aims to disapprove this specific rule (published as 89 Fed. Reg. 33474), which would have required schools to address sex-based discrimination in educational programs. If passed, the rule would no longer be in effect, meaning schools would not need to comply with its requirements. This resolution directly affects all schools and educational programs receiving federal financial assistance, as it targets the implementation of the new nondiscrimination standard.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act (HR 8281) requires U.S. citizens to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like passports, REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs, or birth certificates, and mandates that states verify citizenship using information from government agencies like DHS and Social Security. States must establish processes for voters without required documentation to provide an attestation under penalty of perjury. The law also requires states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls when verified evidence shows they're not citizens. This bill directly affects all applicants registering to vote in federal elections and state election officials who must implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHR 9084, the STOP the SWAMP Act, amends congressional investigation rules to impose penalties on federal employee witnesses who refuse to answer questions or commit perjury. It adds misdemeanor penalties (fines of $100-$1,000 and up to 12 months in jail) for witnesses who refuse to answer relevant questions during investigations, and mandates debarment from all federal employment for such violations or for final convictions of perjury (under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1621 or 1001). The bill also creates a 180-day window for Congress to pass a joint resolution rescinding salary funds for violating federal employee witnesses, requiring expedited committee reviews and voting within strict timeframes (15 days for committee, 20 days for full chamber). This bill directly affects federal employees summoned as witnesses in congressional investigations, focusing on accountability during official inquiries.

Maddy summaryHR 9075, the "Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2024," increases penalties for falsely claiming military honors by raising the maximum jail term from one to three years for fraudulent misrepresentation of military decorations, the Congressional Medal of Honor, or combat badges under federal law. The bill requires the Attorney General to conduct a study within 90 days of enactment to identify government benefits obtained through such fraud, in coordination with the VA Inspector General. It mandates a report to Congress within 180 days detailing study findings and policy recommendations. This law directly affects individuals who falsely claim military service awards to gain benefits or status. The primary changes are the enhanced criminal penalties and the mandated study to address fraud.

Maddy summaryHR 9045, the Community Association Reporting Exemption Act, exempts certain community associations from a federal reporting requirement. It amends Title 31 of the U.S. Code to add a new exemption category for "entity subject to taxation under section 528 of the Internal Revenue Code," which covers qualifying homeowners' associations (HOAs) already taxed under that IRS provision. This change removes a specific reporting obligation these associations previously had to fulfill. The bill directly affects HOAs that meet the IRS Section 528 tax criteria, simplifying their federal compliance.

Maddy summaryHJRES 164 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a rule issued by the Department of Commerce regarding firearms license requirements. It directly targets the rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 34680), which would have revised licensing procedures for firearms dealers. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect by invoking the congressional disapproval process under federal law. The bill does not create new regulations but aims to halt an existing rule affecting gun license applicants and dealers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1344) formally declares Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of the House of Representatives for failing to produce subpoenaed materials related to the Special Counsel's investigation of President Biden's handling of classified documents. It specifically cites his refusal to turn over "audio tapes" requested by the House Judiciary and Oversight committees on February 27, 2024. The resolution mandates that the Speaker impose a daily $10,000 fine on Garland (payable from his personal funds, not taxpayer money) until he complies with the subpoena. As a procedural resolution - not a law - it addresses a specific dispute over congressional oversight authority, not policy changes.