Rep. Christopher H. Smith

Maddy summaryHR 170, the USPS Subpoena Authority Act, would expand the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) ability to issue subpoenas during investigations into specific violations. The bill allows the Postmaster General to subpoena documents and testimony related to offenses like postal regulation breaches, mail fraud under Title 18, other federal laws listed in the Postal Service's authority, or Controlled Substances Act violations involving mail. It clarifies that subpoenas can require production of relevant records and testimony from custodians, but exempts investigations under section 3005(a) from requiring testimony. The bill also restricts approval of subpoenas to the General Counsel, a Deputy General Counsel, or the Chief Postal Inspector.

Maddy summaryThe Autism CARES Act of 2024 reauthorizes and enhances federal programs supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It requires the National Institutes of Health to expand research to include more fields like gerontology and psychiatry, and to ensure research reflects the full range of needs of people with autism, including those with co-occurring conditions. The bill mandates regular reports to Congress on progress, mental health needs, and transition services for young adults with autism, while increasing funding for autism-related programs from fiscal year 2025 through 2029. This legislation directly affects individuals with autism, their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers by improving access to evidence-based services and research.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges and universities to publicly report hazing incidents involving student organizations. It defines hazing as intentional acts causing physical or psychological harm during initiation or membership in student groups, including activities like forced substance consumption, sleep deprivation, or sexual acts. Institutions must include hazing statistics in annual security reports and publish a "Campus Hazing Transparency Report" on their websites by July 1, 2025, detailing findings about organizations violating hazing policies. The reports must include organization names, violation descriptions, and key dates while excluding personally identifiable student information. This applies to all colleges participating in federal student aid programs.

Maddy summaryHR 10555, the LANDED Act, authorizes state law enforcement agencies to use approved counter-drone systems to address threats from unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that could harm people, disrupt infrastructure, or cause economic damage. It establishes a federal approval process requiring state agencies to apply for authorization, enter agreements outlining permitted use, and comply with safety protocols before deploying counter-UAS technology. The bill also mandates a reporting system for non-emergency drone operations and creates a grant program to fund state agencies' acquisition of approved counter-drone equipment. These provisions directly affect state law enforcement agencies seeking to mitigate drone-related security risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the import of eight specific minerals (including copper, nickel, palladium, and platinum) from Russia or Russian entities starting 90 days after enactment. It directly affects U.S. importers and businesses relying on these Russian-sourced minerals. The ban ends one year after the President certifies Russia has ceased hostilities against Ukraine, but resumes immediately if Russia restarts military action, with no presidential waivers allowed. The law remains in effect until a new certification confirms Russia's cessation of hostilities.

Maddy summaryThe VALOR Act of 2024 establishes specific criteria for determining when a democratically elected government is in power in Venezuela, requiring free and fair elections with international observers, respect for human rights, release of political prisoners, and restoration of democratic institutions. The bill authorizes sanctions against the Maduro regime, including financial restrictions on debt instruments, cryptocurrency transactions, and blocking property of the Venezuelan government. It creates mechanisms for the U.S. to provide humanitarian and democracy-building assistance through independent NGOs once a democratically elected government is recognized, with safeguards to ensure aid reaches the people of Venezuela. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on sanctions implementation, assistance programs, and foreign entities doing business with the Maduro regime.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $10,000 annual tax credit for individuals who make non-directed living kidney donations (where donors don’t know the recipient’s identity) for five years (the donation year plus four subsequent years). It directly affects living kidney donors who qualify under these specific conditions, covering costs related to the donation process. The credit applies to kidneys removed after December 31, 2024, and expires December 31, 2034. The bill does not alter organ transplant recipient eligibility or medical procedures, focusing solely on financial incentives for donors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic prior authorization systems by 2027 and publish detailed data on their approval and denial rates for medical services by 2026. It directly affects Medicare Advantage plans (private insurers offering Medicare coverage) and their enrollees (seniors 65+), mandating transparency about prior authorization decisions, processing times, and appeal outcomes. Key provisions include requiring plans to report annual statistics on request approvals/denials, average processing times, and use of technology, with this data published publicly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The bill also sets timelines for plan responses to prior authorization requests and mandates reports to Congress on implementation and impacts.

Maddy summaryHR 8124, the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2024, expands U.S. sanctions against Chinese officials and entities responsible for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The bill adds specific abuses like forced sterilization, forced abortion, and forced organ harvesting to the sanctions criteria, and denies U.S. entry to individuals complicit in these acts. It authorizes physical and psychological support for victims of these abuses who reside outside China, and requires documentation of atrocities in Xinjiang through evidence collection and investigation support. The bill also includes provisions to counter Chinese propaganda about the situation in Xinjiang and prohibits U.S. government contracts with entities involved in forced labor or human rights abuses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. government to investigate how to enforce existing law (Section 307 of the Tariff Act) to block cobalt imports linked to forced labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It mandates a strategy within 180 days to trace cobalt supply chains, prevent forced-labor cobalt from entering U.S. markets (including via third countries), and coordinate with customs and industry. The bill directly affects U.S. importers of cobalt products, Chinese-owned mining entities operating in the DRC, and DRC artisanal mines using forced labor (where an estimated 40,000 children work). It does not ban imports but directs agencies to develop enforcement tools and report semiannually to Congress, with the process ending after 8 years or if forced labor ends.