Rep. Kevin Hern

Maddy summaryHR 6734 prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rule (2022R-17) defining "engaged in the business as a dealer in firearms." This bill directly affects the ATF by blocking funding for this specific regulatory rule, which was proposed in August 2023. The legislation does not create new requirements but prevents federal resources from being used to advance this particular ATF regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes tax relief for qualified residents of Taiwan earning income in the United States by reducing tax rates on interest, dividends, and royalties to 10% or 15% (instead of the standard 30%). It also exempts certain wages and income from entertainment activities under $30,000 from U.S. taxation. To qualify, individuals must meet specific residency requirements, and entities must demonstrate substantial business activity in Taiwan. The bill modifies withholding tax procedures to implement these new rates and requires reciprocal tax benefits from Taiwan to be in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Ukrainian government from using any U.S. funds (appropriated before, during, or after the bill's passage) to seize, nationalize, expropriate, or restrict shareholder rights to U.S.-owned assets in Ukraine. It directly protects U.S. investors, including those holding shares in Ukrainian companies listed on public markets, by preventing the Ukrainian government from taking their investments without consent. The key provision blocks the use of U.S. financial resources for actions that would forcibly transfer ownership of American investments to the Ukrainian state. The bill focuses solely on protecting existing U.S. investments from government seizure, without altering broader U.S. aid policies toward Ukraine.

Maddy summaryHR 6612, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2023, clarifies who qualifies for U.S. citizenship at birth under the 14th Amendment. It amends immigration law to define that a child born in the U.S. is "subject to the jurisdiction" for citizenship if one parent is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident living in the U.S., or an active-duty military member. The bill directly affects children born in the U.S. to parents in these specific categories, ensuring they meet the citizenship definition without altering the constitutional right itself. It explicitly states this definition applies only to births occurring after the law's enactment, leaving existing citizenship status unaffected for those born before. The bill aims to codify existing constitutional principles through specific, narrow criteria for parental status.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryHR 3816, the Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act, allows veterans using GI Bill benefits (under chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35) to enroll in approved pre-apprenticeship programs and receive the same educational assistance and housing allowances as if they were in a registered apprenticeship program. The bill requires pre-apprenticeship programs to have sponsor certification (e.g., from a community college, employer, or government agency) confirming they prepare veterans for registered apprenticeships and meet industry skill standards. It treats these programs as equivalent to apprenticeships for benefit purposes, including charging entitlement at the same rate and providing housing allowances based on the location of the program. This directly affects veterans seeking career training through pre-apprenticeship pathways.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryThe Student Empowerment Act expands tax-advantaged 529 college savings accounts to cover K-12 education expenses. It allows families to use 529 funds for tuition, curriculum materials, books, online learning resources, licensed tutoring (with specific teacher qualifications), standardized test fees, dual enrollment programs, and licensed educational therapies for students with disabilities. This directly affects students attending public, private, religious schools, or homeschools (treated as private schools under state law) and their families. The change applies to 529 distributions made after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHJRES 11 proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit Members of Congress to serving a maximum of three terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the Senate. If passed and ratified, it would prevent any member who has already served the maximum terms from running for re-election, including time spent filling vacancies (for more than one year in the House or three years in the Senate). This amendment directly affects current and future members of Congress by changing eligibility rules for re-election. The proposal is currently a joint resolution in the House, requiring ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.