Rep. Erin Houchin

Maddy summaryHR 6744, the "No VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act," prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from providing health care or processing health care claims for individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are not already eligible for VA health care under existing law. This bill directly affects undocumented immigrants who do not qualify for VA benefits through standard veteran eligibility criteria. The key provision explicitly bars VA resources from being used for any care or claims processing for such individuals. The bill does not alter VA eligibility rules for veterans but prevents the use of VA funds for non-eligible non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the dollar threshold that determines when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can handle labor disputes involving small businesses. It increases the threshold for 2023 to ten times the previous year’s amount and sets up an automatic annual adjustment using the Personal Consumption Expenditure Per Capita Index (starting in 2024) to keep pace with inflation. Small businesses with payroll below this higher threshold will no longer fall under the NLRB’s jurisdiction for labor disputes. The change directly affects small businesses and the NLRB’s ability to assert jurisdiction over their labor issues, shifting oversight away from the agency for smaller employers. The amendment applies to all NLRB decisions made after the bill’s enactment date.

Maddy summaryThe Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act creates a new grant program providing financial aid to students enrolled in short-term, career-focused educational programs (150-600 clock hours, 8-15 weeks) that prepare students for high-demand jobs. To qualify, programs must meet specific standards including alignment with industry needs, minimum job placement rates of 70%, and median earnings that exceed local wage benchmarks. The bill requires institutions to collect and publicly report data on program outcomes including completion rates, job placement, and student earnings through the College Scorecard website. It also establishes new accreditation standards for agencies evaluating these workforce programs, with $40 million authorized for fiscal year 2025 and $30 million for each of the next four years.

Maddy summaryHR 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer whole milk as an option during lunch. It amends the school lunch law to explicitly permit schools to serve flavored and unflavored whole milk alongside reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk choices for students. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust meal regulations to account for saturated fat from whole milk, ensuring it doesn't count against meal fat limits. This change directly affects participating schools and the students who receive school lunches, expanding their milk beverage options.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) authority to enforce rules against "unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices" (UDAAP) affecting consumers. It defines "abusive" acts as those intentionally interfering with consumer understanding or taking unreasonable advantage of consumer vulnerabilities, requiring the CFPB to provide a clear definition within 180 days. Financial institutions must now receive written notice and 180 days to correct potential violations before penalties are imposed, and the CFPB must conduct cost-benefit analyses for new rules. The bill also prohibits the CFPB from treating discrimination as part of UDAAP enforcement and limits penalties for past conduct to the most recent compliance rating period.

Maddy summaryHJRES 88 is a resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment options for federal student loan borrowers. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2023, targeted the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. This resolution uses the Congressional Review Act process to disapprove the rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving the current repayment structure. If enacted, it would stop the proposed changes to repayment terms without altering existing loan policies.

Maddy summaryThe DETERRENT Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose foreign gifts and contracts meeting specific value thresholds ($50,000 or more) to the Department of Education, with special rules for contracts involving "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern." It creates a public database of these disclosures, mandates faculty and staff to report foreign gifts related to research, and establishes a waiver process for institutions seeking to contract with prohibited foreign entities. Institutions that fail to comply face fines ranging from 1% to 100% of their federal funding, depending on the violation and whether it's a first or repeat offense. The bill applies primarily to institutions receiving significant federal funding, particularly those with substantial research programs. It aims to increase transparency around foreign influence in higher education while maintaining academic freedom.

Maddy summaryHR 6615 establishes a Special Inspector General within the Department of Education to monitor college admissions practices following the Supreme Court's *Students for Fair Admissions* ruling. The inspector general investigates allegations of race-based discrimination in admissions or financial aid at colleges receiving federal student aid, ensuring compliance with the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Institutions found violating these rules could lose eligibility for federal funding, and the inspector general must report quarterly to Congress on investigations, violations, and institutional cooperation. The position is funded with $25 million and will sunset after 12 years. This directly affects all colleges receiving federal aid under the Higher Education Act.

Maddy summaryHRES 906 is a procedural resolution that sets rules for debating three separate legislative proposals in the House of Representatives. It enables consideration of H.R. 4468 (which would block EPA vehicle emissions rules), H.R. 5933 (which would tighten disclosure rules for foreign ties in higher education), and H.J.Res. 88 (which seeks to block a Department of Education student loan repayment rule). The resolution waives objections, limits debate time, and outlines procedures for voting on these bills. It does not change policy itself but facilitates their legislative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the President to block transactions involving "covered Iranian funds" processed by foreign or international financial institutions. These funds refer specifically to money transferred from South Korea to Qatar under certain Iran sanctions waivers. The law imposes sanctions under existing U.S. authorities to block all U.S.-related transactions with institutions handling these funds. Sanctions can be lifted if Iran stops supporting terrorism and dismantles its weapons programs, as certified by the President. The bill directly affects global financial institutions processing these specific Iranian-linked transfers.