Rep. John W. Rose

Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act or the A–PLUS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revise its regulations to allow certain packers to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a market agency selling livestock on a commission basis. The bill applies to packers that have a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animals per day or 700,000 animals per year with respect to cattle or sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year with respect to hogs. In addition, USDA must revise its regulations to include a disclosure requirement for a market agency that has an ownership interest in, finances, or participates in the management or operation of a packer. Specifically, the market agency must disclose the existence of such ownership interest, financial relationship, or participation.

Maddy summaryHJRES 82 disapproves the District of Columbia Council's approval of the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024 (D.C. Act 25-699), a local law that would have amended insurance regulations in Washington, D.C. This procedural resolution, submitted under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allows Congress to reject the District's legislative action. The bill itself does not change insurance regulations but formally expresses disapproval of the District's law, preventing it from taking effect.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act (HR 2395) redefines federal firearm definitions to exclude antique and collector firearms from being classified as firearms, and removes distinctions between short-barreled rifles and shotguns in federal regulations. It prevents state laws from imposing taxes or registration requirements on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, requiring state rules to align with federal compliance instead. The bill also mandates the federal government to destroy specific records related to these firearms within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2025 would prohibit states and local governments from imposing taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts during interstate or foreign commerce. This bill directly affects state tax policies and manufacturers or dealers selling these items across state lines. It explicitly states that the bill does not change the existing federal tax on firearms and ammunition that funds wildlife conservation programs. The key provision bans state-level taxes for these sales in interstate transactions while preserving current federal funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThe Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 allows state and federal correctional facilities to operate jamming systems that block cell signals from entering or leaving the facility, specifically targeting contraband devices used by inmates. It directly affects prisons and jails by enabling them to disrupt unauthorized wireless communications without FCC approval, provided the jamming is limited to housing areas within the facility. Key requirements include state facilities covering all costs themselves, consulting with local law enforcement before implementation, and notifying the Bureau of Prisons. The law aims to address security risks from smuggled phones while restricting jamming to only necessary areas and requiring transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 2274, the Court Shopping Deterrence Act, changes the appellate process for nationwide injunctions. It requires that appeals from district court orders granting nationwide injunctions go directly to the Supreme Court, bypassing intermediate circuit courts. The bill defines a "nationwide injunction" as an order restraining enforcement of federal law against non-parties unless those non-parties are properly represented under federal rules. This directly affects federal courts issuing such injunctions and the parties involved in cases where nationwide injunctions are granted. The bill creates a specific procedural pathway for these appeals without altering substantive law.

Maddy summaryHRES 227 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating March 18, 2025, as "National Agriculture Day" to honor agriculture's role as a vital U.S. industry. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements on any group. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight agriculture's economic impact and contributions to the nation. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy effect beyond raising awareness.

Maddy summaryHR 2222, the "Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025," modifies federal egg regulations to allow surplus broiler hatching eggs (used to hatch chicks for meat production) to be sold to egg breakers (facilities that process whole eggs into liquid products). The bill directs the FDA and USDA to create new rules within 180 days permitting these eggs to be stored under conditions compatible with hatching while also being sold for processing into liquid egg products. This change aims to increase the supply of eggs available for processing by making it easier to redirect surplus hatching eggs to egg breakers. The bill directly affects broiler hatcheries, egg breakers, and the broader egg processing industry by altering how certain surplus eggs can be handled and sold.

Maddy summaryHR 2197, the "No 340B Savings for Transgender Care Act," prohibits covered entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program from using savings from discounted drug purchases to pay for specific transgender healthcare services. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to ban using 340B savings for sex reassignment surgeries or hormone treatments provided "for the purpose of gender alteration" of transgender individuals. This directly affects hospitals and clinics enrolled in the 340B program, restricting how they allocate funds saved through the program’s discounted drug pricing. The key provision is a targeted restriction on fund usage, not a ban on providing the medical services themselves. The bill focuses on reallocating program savings away from these specific care types.

Maddy summaryHRES 224 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill) expressing support for recognizing "Detransition Awareness Day." It urges the development of policies ensuring mental health services for people experiencing discomfort with their sex, advocating for informed consent processes about gender-affirming medical procedures, and extending medical malpractice statute of limitations. The resolution also calls for removing damage caps in malpractice claims related to such procedures and requests the Department of Health and Human Services review care guidelines. It has no legal effect but aims to foster public understanding of detransition experiences and promote ethical medical standards.