Rep. Russ Fulcher

Maddy summaryHJRES 89 is a congressional disapproval resolution that blocks an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution standards. The resolution specifically targets the EPA's "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation" and waiver of preemption, which would have allowed California to enforce stricter emissions rules. By disapproving this rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5 U.S. Code, Congress has nullified the EPA's action, meaning the regulation will have no legal effect. This directly affects the EPA's authority to approve California's state-level pollution control standards for motor vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to update its Northern Border Security Threat Analysis every five years, including specific new elements. It mandates assessments of current staffing levels versus projected needs, future retirement surges (noting a 400% increase expected by 2028), housing challenges, and local recruitment plans for northern border ports. The bill also requires CBP to develop and update a plan addressing retirement surges, staffing shortages, and the feasibility of recruitment tools like bonuses or student loan repayment. These provisions directly affect CBP staffing at northern border ports, which face unique challenges like harsh weather and housing shortages that hinder officer retention.

Maddy summaryHR 589, the FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025, would repeal a federal law (Section 248 of Title 18, U.S. Code) that prohibited obstructing access to reproductive health care facilities through physical means, intimidation, or violence. This repeal would eliminate the federal criminal penalty for such conduct, meaning federal prosecutors could no longer charge individuals under this specific law. The bill applies to all pending or future federal prosecutions related to these actions. It does not affect state laws that may still regulate access to reproductive health care facilities.

Maddy summaryHRES 481 is a symbolic resolution condemning recent antisemitic attacks in the U.S., specifically referencing the June 1, 2025, Boulder, Colorado, assault on a Jewish community gathering and other incidents like the May 2025 Washington, D.C., embassy shooting. It formally recognizes a pattern of violence targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, including attacks during religious events. The resolution calls on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and prosecute such incidents and urges elected officials to publicly oppose antisemitism and politically motivated violence. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to affirm congressional stance against antisemitism.

Maddy summaryHR 649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, amends the National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to offer students both organic and non-organic whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free options. Key provisions include clarifying that milk fat in whole milk should not count toward saturated fat limits for meal compliance, prohibiting schools from purchasing milk from Chinese state-owned enterprises, and ensuring schools cannot be barred from offering the full range of milk types listed. The bill directly affects public and private schools serving the National School Lunch Program by expanding their milk options for students. It focuses on concrete policy changes to dietary offerings and sourcing restrictions within the school nutrition program.

Maddy summaryThe Restoring American Freedom Act (HR 3719) prohibits the U.S. Department of State and entities receiving federal funds from it from censoring U.S. citizens' First Amendment-protected speech. It bans using federal funds to create or distribute "censorship tools" without safeguards and prohibits "advertising blacklists" that target citizens based on their speech content. The bill requires the Department to monitor for censorship, correct past misconduct, and notify Congress and affected citizens when such violations occur. This law directly affects Department of State operations and organizations receiving State Department grants or contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how states, tribes, or public entities can use existing water infrastructure (like canals built before 1976) for aquifer recharge without needing new federal permits. It requires 30 days' advance notice to the Bureau of Land Management detailing the infrastructure, intended use, and a written agreement with the rights-holder. Non-profit uses of existing rights are exempt from additional rent, but for-profit operations are not. The bill also exempts these recharge activities from certain environmental laws (Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act) and allows modifying existing infrastructure. It directly affects water management entities working with federal land rights.

Maddy summaryThis resolution blocks a Department of Energy rule that would have set new energy efficiency standards for gas-fired instant water heaters. It prevents the rule from taking effect, meaning appliance manufacturers would not have to meet the proposed efficiency requirements. The rule, submitted in December 2024, directly affected manufacturers of these water heaters and consumers purchasing them. Congress approved this disapproval through a joint resolution passed on May 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 3228, the Constitutional Hearing Protection Act, reclassifies firearm silencers as firearms under federal tax law and eliminates their separate registration under the National Firearms Act. It requires the Attorney General to destroy all existing federal silencer registration records within one year and preempts state laws that impose taxes, registration, or recordkeeping requirements on silencers. The bill defines "firearm silencer" and specifies that manufacturers must mark silencers on a "keystone part" with a serial number. This directly affects silencer owners, manufacturers, and state governments by standardizing federal regulation and removing state-level restrictions.

Maddy summaryHR 859 requires manufacturers to clearly state before purchase whether internet-connected consumer devices (like smart speakers or home monitors) contain a camera or microphone. It directly affects device manufacturers, excluding phones, laptops, and dedicated cameras (which consumers reasonably expect to have such features). The Federal Trade Commission enforces this as an unfair/deceptive practice under existing law, with guidance issued within 180 days of enactment. The law applies only to devices made after the FTC issues its guidance, not older models.