Rep. Randy Feenstra

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the livestock indemnity payment program to clarify how the market value of livestock is determined when producers receive payments for animals lost to natural disasters. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to calculate this value quarterly, in coordination with the Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator, using appropriate resources. The change directly affects livestock producers who rely on these payments after events like extreme weather. The bill does not alter eligibility or payment amounts but establishes a formalized process for determining the market value used in calculations. This update aims to improve consistency in how payments are calculated for affected farmers.

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.

Farm Tech Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to certify software that uses artificial intelligence to perform a task in connection with producing agricultural products. The program must be based on the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In order for USDA to certify software under the program, the software must (1) perform accurately; and (2) consistently meet or exceed the federal and state licensure, certification, and permitting standards applicable to a person performing the task. (The bill includes requirements for these standards.) USDA must prescribe any regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out this bill.

Maddy summaryHR 9374, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if they restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. The bill specifically blocks funding for any UN body that expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to participate equally with other nations. This affects U.S. government contributions to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to halt funding for such UN actions. The key mechanism is a new provision in the UN Participation Act that mandates this funding restriction whenever Israel's UN participation is impaired.

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.

Audit the IRS Act This bill prohibits an individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt from being appointed, or continue serving, as an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for replacing potentially insecure telecommunications equipment from $1.9 billion to $4.98 billion under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. It appropriates $3.08 billion specifically for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement this program in fiscal year 2024. The bill mandates the FCC to conduct a spectrum auction for certain frequencies within one year of enactment, regardless of prior expiration deadlines for such auctions. This directly affects the FCC, telecom companies bidding on spectrum licenses, and national security networks requiring secure communications infrastructure.

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 1371 is a House resolution condemning the Biden Administration and Vice President Kamala Harris for failing to secure the U.S. border. It cites statistics including over 9.7 million illegal immigration encounters since 2021 and the end of the Remain in Mexico program as evidence. As a symbolic resolution with no policy changes, it publicly expresses the House's disapproval of current border policies without altering any laws or enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThe National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (HR 6213) reauthorizes and expands federal efforts to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology in the United States. It establishes new programs including National Quantum Centers, Quantum Testbeds, and a Quantum Reskilling and Workforce Coordination Hub to develop domestic talent and infrastructure. The bill creates an International Quantum Cooperation Strategy to build partnerships with allies while restricting collaboration with "foreign countries of concern" as defined in the legislation. It provides funding for research, workforce development, and commercialization of quantum technologies across government agencies, universities, and industry. The act aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in quantum technology through coordinated federal investment and international collaboration.