Rep. John R. Moolenaar

Maddy summaryHJRES 140 is a resolution requesting Congress to disapprove a Department of Labor rule that amended Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 25, 2024, would have changed how retirement plan fiduciaries can engage in certain investment transactions, specifically affecting retirement account providers and administrators. If approved, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, directly impacting entities managing retirement funds that rely on the exemption framework. The bill uses the statutory disapproval process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, to halt the rule’s implementation.

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 141 is a congressional resolution disapproving a Department of Labor rule (89 Fed. Reg. 32302, April 25, 2024) that amended Prohibited Transaction Exemption 84-24. This rule would have changed regulations governing retirement investment transactions, specifically affecting how financial institutions and retirement plan administrators handle certain transactions. The resolution, if passed, would block the rule from taking effect by invoking the disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. It directly impacts retirement plan providers and financial firms that rely on this exemption for investment activities. The bill does not create new policy but seeks to prevent the implementation of the specific Department of Labor rule.

Maddy summaryHRES 1210 is a non-binding House resolution condemning the Biden administration's border policies as the cause of a crisis that burdens law enforcement. It claims these policies led to record illegal border crossings, security threats (including encounters with individuals on terrorist watch lists), and increased crime involving migrants, citing specific incidents like assaults on officers and violent crimes. The resolution urges the administration and local officials to support law enforcement and recognizes the mental, physical, and psychological stress faced by officers. As a symbolic resolution, it does not enact legal changes but expresses the House's position on border policy.

Maddy summaryHR 8334, the Grant Integrity and Border Security Act, requires all applicants for federal grants to certify they have not violated immigration laws (specifically, harboring unauthorized immigrants) in the past decade. If an agency determines a grant recipient violated this requirement - based on information from Homeland Security, employee convictions, or credible evidence - the agency must withhold grant funds. The bill directly affects organizations and entities applying for or receiving federal grants, including local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. It adds a new compliance check to federal grant programs, linking eligibility to adherence to immigration law, without altering border security operations themselves.

Maddy summaryHRES 1226 is a non-binding resolution honoring 282 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2023, listed by name in the resolution. It formally acknowledges their sacrifice, expresses unwavering support for current officers, and recognizes the need for adequate resources to protect them. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to memorialize fallen officers and support their families, aligning with existing National Police Week observances established since 1962.

Maddy summaryHR 7109, the Equal Representation Act, requires the U.S. Census Bureau to add a citizenship status checkbox to the 2030 and future decennial censuses, asking respondents to identify if they are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful residents, or unlawful residents. It then mandates excluding noncitizens (both lawful and unlawful residents) from the population count used to determine each state's number of congressional seats and electoral votes starting with the 2030 census. This bill directly affects how states are apportioned representation in Congress and presidential electoral votes, based solely on the citizen population. The key change is shifting the apportionment base from total population to citizen population alone, using the new census data.

Maddy summaryHRES 1221 is a non-binding U.S. House resolution commemorating the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and condemning the Chinese government's ongoing human rights record. It specifically references the suppression of peaceful demonstrations, censorship, and the 2020 Hong Kong National Security Law's impact on pro-democracy activities and annual vigils. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to urge China to end censorship of the 1989 events, release political prisoners (including those detained for protests like the "White Paper Movement"), and address human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet. It also demands the Hong Kong government allow the resumption of Tiananmen vigils and release individuals jailed for organizing them. This resolution serves as a symbolic diplomatic statement with no legislative effect.

Tribal Adoption Parity Act This bill allows Indian tribal governments to determine whether a child has special needs for purposes of the adoption tax credit.

Maddy summaryHR 8358, the Taiwan Allies Fund Act, creates a $40 million annual fund (2025-2027) to support countries that maintain or strengthen unofficial ties with Taiwan despite pressure from China. It targets nations facing Chinese economic or diplomatic coercion for their relations with Taiwan, such as recent diplomatic switchers like Nauru. Funds can be used for specific activities including countering Chinese propaganda, building civil society resilience, diversifying supply chains away from China, and supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The bill limits aid per country to $5 million annually and requires annual reports on fund usage and coordination with Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThe Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2024 creates tax parity for Indian tribal governments by extending various tax benefits currently available to states. The bill treats tribal governments similarly to states for excise taxes, bond issuance, pension plans, charitable organizations, child support enforcement, and adoption credits. It also establishes new tax credits for investments in tribal areas and clarifies exclusions for certain tribal programs like health service loan repayments and scholarships. This legislation directly affects Indian tribal governments, their citizens, and tribal organizations by addressing historical tax disadvantages and improving access to capital for economic development.