Rep. Lisa C. McClain

Maddy summaryHRES 927 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning antisemitism on college campuses and criticizing the testimony of three university presidents (Harvard’s Claudine Gay, MIT’s Sally Kornbluth, and Penn’s Elizabeth Magill) before the House Education Committee. It specifically addresses their evasive responses when asked whether calls for the genocide of Jews violate campus policies, noting their statements about "context" and lack of clear condemnation. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses the House’s stance against antisemitism and holds university leadership accountable for their testimony. It directly affects the referenced university presidents and their institutions by publicly criticizing their handling of campus antisemitism.

Maddy summaryHR 6753, the PLCAA Federal Jurisdiction Act, amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to allow gun manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations to move certain lawsuits from state courts to federal courts. Specifically, if these defendants claim a case falls under the PLCAA's protections against liability for gun-related injuries, they can request the case be removed to federal district court. The federal court would then determine if the case qualifies under PLCAA and dismiss it if it does. This change directly affects gun industry defendants by shifting jurisdiction for these specific lawsuits to federal courts.

Maddy summaryHR 6728, the Save Women’s Sports Act of 2023, requires schools receiving federal funding to designate athletic teams as male, female, or coed based strictly on biological sex at birth. Female-designated teams must be composed exclusively of students biologically female at birth. Schools failing to comply risk losing all federal financial assistance. The bill directly affects public and private schools participating in federally funded sports programs.

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 summaryHR 6619, the PATROL Act, prevents the federal government from suing states for building border barriers. It specifically blocks the Attorney General from filing civil lawsuits under the 1899 Act against states that construct physical barriers (like walls, fences, or buoys) along the border to stop illegal entry or protect state territory. The law directly affects states building such barriers and the federal government’s legal authority to challenge those actions. This is a procedural change that removes a legal obstacle for states pursuing border security measures.

Maddy summaryHRES 914 is a formal resolution censuring Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) for pulling a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building on September 30, 2023, during a critical vote on federal funding. The resolution cites Bowman's subsequent guilty plea to violating District of Columbia law (§22-1319) for causing a false fire alarm, which resulted in a $1,000 fine, an apology letter to Capitol Police, and probation. The House resolution requires Bowman to appear in the House chamber for the public reading of the censure and formally condemns his actions. This procedural resolution addresses his conduct during a legislative session, not a policy change.

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 summaryHRES 913 is a procedural resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 6, 2023, formally electing specific members to serve on certain standing committees. It appoints Mr. Edwards to the Committee on Appropriations, Mr. Gooden (TX) to Armed Services, Mr. Cloud and Mr. Waltz to Oversight and Accountability, and Ms. Maloy to both Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. This resolution directly affects the committee membership structure for the 118th Congress. It does not create new policy but establishes who serves on these specific committees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution censures Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) for pulling a fire alarm during a critical House vote on federal funding in September 2023. It follows Bowman's guilty plea to violating D.C. law (section 22-1319) for falsely reporting a fire, which forced the evacuation of the Cannon Building and disrupted congressional business. The resolution requires Bowman to appear in the House chamber for the public reading of the censure and formally accepts his $1,000 fine and apology letter as part of the disciplinary action. This is a procedural House disciplinary measure, not a policy change affecting constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Hamas to immediately release all 199 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution condemns Hamas for the attack, the taking of hostages, and threats against hostages, while stating that holding hostages violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. It demands the immediate release of all hostages and expresses sympathy for victims and their families. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create legal obligations but formally expresses the House's position.