Rep. Tim Burchett

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2451 (Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023), prevents colleges receiving federal funds from punishing students or single-sex social organizations (like fraternities/sororities) solely because of their single-sex membership policies. It prohibits actions such as denying housing, scholarships, or leadership roles, or forcing students to waive these protections as a condition of enrollment. The law does not require colleges to recognize such groups, nor does it block disciplinary action for misconduct unrelated to membership (e.g., academic issues). It directly affects students in single-sex organizations and institutions participating in federal student aid programs under Title IV.

Covenant School Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to Officer Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Englebert of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in recognition of their exceptional bravery and valor in confronting an active shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHR 1818, the Aviation Workforce Development Act, expands tax-advantaged savings plans (529 plans) to cover costs for specific aviation training programs. It allows funds from these plans to pay for tuition, fees, and required materials at FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician schools (Part 147) or commercial pilot training programs (Part 61 or 141). This directly affects students pursuing careers as aircraft maintenance technicians or commercial pilots by making these training costs more affordable through existing tax-advantaged savings. The bill amends the tax code to include these programs under "qualified higher education expenses" for 529 plan distributions.

Maddy summaryHRES 158 is a resolution requesting the President and directing the Secretaries of Defense and State to provide the House of Representatives with all documents related to U.S. congressionally appropriated funds sent to Ukraine between January 20, 2021, and February 24, 2023. It requires the transmission of communications (including meeting notes, emails, and recordings), financial records, and expenditure details within 14 days of the resolution's adoption. This procedural resolution seeks transparency about how aid was administered, without altering funding or policy.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 30 seeks to block a Department of Labor rule that would have required retirement plan managers (like those handling 401(k)s) to follow strict "prudence and loyalty" standards when selecting investments and voting on company matters. The rule, published in December 2022, aimed to protect retirement savings by ensuring fiduciaries prioritize participants' interests. This resolution, if passed, would prevent the rule from taking effect, avoiding new compliance requirements for retirement plan managers and sponsors. It directly affects retirement plan administrators and the millions of participants in these plans.

Maddy summaryHRES 236 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' disapproval of plans to build a new FBI headquarters outside Washington, D.C. It cites alleged politicization by the FBI's Washington Field Office - such as targeting citizens' First Amendment rights and suppressing investigations - as reason to halt funding for the new facility. The resolution specifically states no federal funds should be used to plan or acquire property for the suburban headquarters. It does not change law or block actual funding (as resolutions lack legal force), but formally opposes the project based on the cited concerns. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Gaetz and referred to relevant committees for review.

Maddy summaryHR 965, the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act, updates an existing agricultural research program to better protect coffee crops. It authorizes grants for specific research activities, including developing pest control tools, establishing integrated pest management programs, surveying coffee plant health, and studying coffee plant biology and pesticide impacts. The bill extends the funding authorization period for these grants from 2023 to 2035. This directly supports coffee growers and agricultural researchers in coffee-producing regions by providing long-term resources for science-based solutions to crop threats.

Bipartisan Ban on Congressional Stock Ownership Act of 2023 This bill prohibits Members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading stocks, bonds, commodities, futures, or any other form of security. Each current Member must divest within 180 days after the bill is enacted and each new Member must divest within 180 days after becoming a Member. However, Members and their spouses have 5 years to divest from specified complex investment vehicles. The bill does not apply to certain investments, such as investments in widely held investment funds that are diversified and do not present a conflict of interest and investments held in government employee retirement plans. A Member or spouse who violates the bill may be subject to a fine of up to $50,000 for each violation. The bill permits a Member or spouse who is required to divest property under the bill to avoid recognizing gain for income tax purposes from the sale of that property to the extent that the Member or spouse purchases permitted bonds or diversified investment funds within 60 days of the divestiture.

Maddy summaryHR 140, the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act, prohibits federal employees from using their authority to censor speech, particularly affecting individuals with pending applications (like grants or permits) or under investigation by the agency. It bans employees from advocating censorship of speech, suppressing speech of people involved in agency matters, or engaging in censorship while on duty in government spaces, wearing uniforms, or using government vehicles. Exceptions cover law enforcement actions against child pornography, human trafficking, or national security threats. Violations can result in penalties including removal, fines up to $10,000, or reprimands. The bill defines "censorship" broadly to include removing speech from platforms or adding disclaimers.

Maddy summaryHR 1388 authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to honor the 1865 Sultana steamboat disaster, the deadliest maritime tragedy in U.S. history. It specifies three coin types ($5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar) with defined weights and compositions, to be sold at face value plus surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin, respectively). All surcharges collected will fund the Sultana Historical Preservation Society for museum development, including exhibits, artifact preservation, and facility construction. The coins are legal tender but intended for collectors, with sales limited to a one-year period starting January 2023.