Rep. Randy Feenstra

This resolution supports the preservation of the stepped-up basis tax rule that allows recipients of inherited assets such as land, equipment, or buildings to adjust the cost basis of the assets to reflect their fair market value. The resolution opposes any efforts to impose new taxes on family farms or small businesses and recognizes the importance of generational transfers of farm and family-owned businesses.

Maddy summaryHR 1748, the Quantum in Practice Act, amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to explicitly include "quantum molecular modeling or simulation" as a priority research area. This change directs federal funding and research efforts toward advancing quantum computing applications for molecular-level simulations. The bill directly affects scientists and researchers working under the National Quantum Initiative Act by expanding their program focus to include modeling chemical processes, materials, and reactions. Key provisions add this specific research category to existing funding priorities, aiming to accelerate breakthroughs in fields like sustainable fertilizers, drug development, and advanced materials. The policy change is purely procedural, redirecting existing program resources without creating new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new health and identification requirements for importing live dogs into the U.S. Importers must provide veterinary certification proving dogs are healthy, vaccinated, treated for parasites, and permanently identified (e.g., microchipped), with documentation from accredited veterinarians. Dogs imported for transfer (sale, adoption, etc.) must be at least 6 months old and accompanied by a Secretary-issued permit. Limited exceptions exist for research, veterinary treatment (with quarantine), and Hawaii-specific puppy imports under state regulations, with regulations to be finalized within 18 months. The bill repeals a prior section of the Animal Welfare Act and strengthens enforcement through penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses congressional support for designating March 21, 2023, as "National Agriculture Day." It symbolically recognizes agriculture's economic importance as a major U.S. industry, celebrating its impact on jobs and communities. The bill does not create new laws, funding, or regulations - it is a non-binding statement of support. It directly affects the agricultural sector by highlighting its contributions through a formal congressional acknowledgment.

Safe Responsible Ethical Scientific Endeavors Assuring Research for Compassionate Healthcare Act or the Safe RESEARCH Act This bill prohibits the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from conducting or supporting research on human fetal tissue obtained from an abortion procedure. It also imposes other restrictions on human fetal tissue research. Under the bill, the NIH may conduct or support research on human fetal tissue only if it was obtained from a stillbirth. Current law allows research on tissue from stillbirths or from spontaneous or induced abortions. The bill also applies informed consent and other requirements applicable to research on the transplantation of human fetal tissue for therapeutic purposes to all research with human fetal tissue. This includes research on stem cells and other human fetal tissue alternatives. Additionally, human fetal tissue used for this research must be obtained in accordance with state anatomical gift laws. These laws govern organ and tissue donation for therapeutic, research, and other purposes. Some states already apply anatomical gift laws to human fetal tissue donation. Currently, executive branch officials may not prohibit the NIH from conducting or supporting research on the transplantation of human fetal tissue for therapeutic purposes. The bill repeals this limitation on executive branch officials. It also repeals a requirement that the NIH fund certain proposals for this research.

Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act or the A-PLUS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to revise its regulations to allow livestock market agencies (e.g., auction market owners) to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a meat packer with a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animals per day or 700,000 animals per year for cattle and sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year for hogs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the use of 529 college savings accounts to cover career training and credentialing costs. It allows funds to pay for tuition, fees, books, and testing expenses related to recognized postsecondary credential programs (like vocational certifications) that meet specific standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The change directly affects workers seeking industry-recognized credentials - such as nursing certifications or IT certifications - instead of traditional degrees. It treats these expenses the same as traditional college costs for 529 account withdrawals, making it easier to save for career-focused training. The provision applies to expenses paid after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign governments (specifically China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia) from acquiring or transferring interests in two types of U.S. land: agricultural land used for growing corn or soybeans destined for renewable energy production, and land designated for wind energy infrastructure. It amends the Defense Production Act to add a new restriction (subsection (r)) blocking such transactions involving these lands. The policy directly affects foreign entities from the listed countries seeking to invest in U.S. renewable energy agriculture or wind projects. This creates a clear legal barrier to foreign ownership of these specific energy-related assets without altering existing renewable energy incentives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the President to assess the inflation impact of major executive orders before issuing them. For any executive order projected to cost at least $1 billion annually in budget effects (excluding emergency relief, national security actions, or treaty implementation), the President must prepare a statement estimating its effect on inflation - whether it has no impact, quantifiable impact, or significant but undeterminable impact. Federal agencies must provide necessary data to support this assessment, and the President must submit an annual report to Congress detailing all such assessments. The bill does not change inflation policy but mandates a new procedural review for major executive actions.

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 leaders who will change the world, and (2) celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic FFA jacket.