Rep. Brad Finstad

Maddy summaryHR 8282, the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign individuals or entities supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating or prosecuting "protected persons." Protected persons include U.S. military personnel, officials, and allied personnel (from non-ICC member countries) who are not under ICC jurisdiction. The bill requires the President to block assets and deny visas to targeted foreign persons and their immediate family members within 60 days of the ICC attempting such actions. It mandates congressional notification of sanctions and allows termination if the ICC ceases all such efforts against protected persons. The law focuses on restricting U.S. economic and travel access to ICC supporters targeting specific U.S. and allied personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal premium support for certain crop insurance plans used by farmers. It raises the subsidy rate to 77% for lower coverage levels and 68% for higher coverage levels under enterprise or whole-farm revenue/yield protection plans (previously 70% and 65%). It also adjusts coverage requirements, reducing the minimum supplemental coverage level from 14% to 10% and increasing the maximum from 86% to 90%, while raising the premium subsidy for this option from 65% to 80%. Additionally, it mandates a study to evaluate expanding supplemental coverage to larger counties with specific coverage tiers, requiring a report to Congress within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by updating eligibility rules and payment structures. It expands enrollment to include more grasslands, wetlands, and conservation buffers (like riparian buffers and prairie strips) that improve water quality and wildlife habitat, while setting new criteria for land based on soil capability classes. Rental payments are adjusted based on soil quality (e.g., 85% for high-quality soil, 115% for lower-quality soil), and re-enrollment payments decrease by 10 percentage points each renewal. Cost-sharing covers 50% of expenses for conservation practices like establishing vegetation, fencing, and water development to maintain enrolled land.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 3161, the CDFI Fund Transparency Act, requires the Treasury Secretary (or their designee) to annually testify before the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee about the operations of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. This testimony would cover the Fund's activities from the previous year and is requested at the discretion of the committee chairs. The bill does not change how the CDFI Fund provides funding but mandates regular reporting to Congress on its operations. It directly affects the Treasury Department's reporting obligations and the congressional committees overseeing the Fund. This is a procedural transparency measure, not a substantive policy change.

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 summaryHR 7241 creates a new federal program to help rural water and wastewater systems prepare for and respond to disasters. It authorizes $20 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to nonprofit organizations with proven experience in water system disaster response. These organizations will provide on-site technical assistance, help develop emergency plans, conduct vulnerability assessments, repair critical infrastructure (like pumps and treatment systems), and support disadvantaged communities lacking resources. The program directly affects rural water systems and their operators by improving their ability to maintain safe water service during and after disasters. Grants cannot cover activities already funded by other federal programs, and equipment costs are limited to 25% of the grant amount.

Maddy summaryHR 9374, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if they restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. The bill specifically blocks funding for any UN body that expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to participate equally with other nations. This affects U.S. government contributions to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to halt funding for such UN actions. The key mechanism is a new provision in the UN Participation Act that mandates this funding restriction whenever Israel's UN participation is impaired.

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 summaryHRES 1402 is a ceremonial resolution that formally commends Minnesota State University, Mankato's women's and men's basketball teams for winning the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships. It specifically recognizes their championship victories (women's team defeating Texas Woman's University 89-73, men's team defeating Nova Southeastern 88-85), highlights key players and coaches, and acknowledges the teams' dedication and achievements during the 2023-2024 season. This resolution has no legal effect - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no policy changes or funding impacts.