Rep. Mike Bost

Maddy summaryHR 9178, the Veteran Prescription Safety Improvement Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand access to state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) for VA health care providers treating veterans. It updates definitions to include VA-employed or contracted health care providers licensed by states, mandates annual training for VA pharmacy staff on PDMP best practices and state requirements, and allows VA to share veteran prescription data with state PDMPs under specific regulations. The bill directly affects VA health care providers (like doctors and pharmacists) and veterans receiving care through the VA system. These changes aim to improve prescription safety by enabling VA staff to check state drug monitoring data when prescribing medications with abuse potential, such as opioids.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 29, 2024, as "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day" to honor the organization's 125th anniversary. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging government agencies and the public to observe the day with ceremonies, though it creates no new laws or policy changes. The resolution recognizes the VFW's historical service to veterans but does not directly affect any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryHR 8055, the Ensuring Access to Risk Management Act of 2024, sets minimum reimbursement rates for crop insurance providers selling specialty crop insurance (such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts). It requires that at least 17% of premiums cover administrative costs, or the current rate - whichever is higher - starting with the 2022 reinsurance year. Beginning in 2024, it also mandates annual adjustments to these reimbursements based on inflation, tied to the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects insurance providers and agents who sell crop insurance for specialty crops under federal programs.

Maddy summaryHR 7923, the SOLAR Act, restricts USDA funding for solar energy projects that convert protected farmland. It prohibits financial assistance for projects converting "covered farmland" (agricultural land protected under existing law) for solar use, except for projects converting less than 1 acre or a small percentage of land (max 5 acres), and only if approved by local counties and municipalities. The bill requires applicants for exceptions to develop a plan protecting soil health during construction and operation, and fully restoring the land after the project ends. It also mandates that funds for decommissioning and land restoration must be secured before USDA disburses project funding.

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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution aims to block a rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that sets new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars, light trucks (starting in 2027), and heavy-duty pickup trucks/vans (starting in 2030). If passed, it would prevent this specific rule from taking effect by disapproving it under a congressional review process. The rule directly affects vehicle manufacturers by requiring them to meet these updated fuel economy targets for future model years. This is a procedural resolution, not a new law, focused solely on halting the implementation of the existing NHTSA rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, which provides federal funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to reduce backlogs in processing DNA evidence from crime scenes. It extends the program's funding period from fiscal years 2024 through 2029 (previously ending in 2024). The bill also updates audit requirements to ensure grant funds are used properly through 2029. This directly affects law enforcement agencies that receive these grants to accelerate DNA analysis for criminal investigations.

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 summaryHR 9140 requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue a report within 180 days of enactment about how mine subsidence affects communities. The report must detail economic and welfare impacts on communities and describe current Department efforts to minimize subsidence risks. This procedural bill mandates a review of existing conditions but does not change laws or create new requirements. It directly affects communities near active or abandoned mines experiencing land sinking from underground mining.

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.