Rep. Pete Sessions

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits hospitals and transplant centers from denying organ transplants or related services to people with disabilities solely because of their disability. It requires covered entities to make reasonable modifications to policies (like considering a patient's support network for post-transplant care) and provide auxiliary aids (such as communication services or accessible health information). The law specifically prevents discrimination based on disability during evaluation, listing, and treatment, while clarifying that medical decisions must be based on individualized assessments - not disability alone. It applies to all organ transplant processes and allows individuals to file complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services or sue for violations.

Maddy summaryHJRES 136 is a resolution seeking to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have set new emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles sold in 2027 and later model years. The EPA rule, published in April 2024, aimed to require vehicle manufacturers to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing the EPA from enforcing the new standards. It uses a congressional process that allows Congress to reject agency rules with a simple majority vote.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on April 19, 2024. The resolution seeks to block the ATF's rule that redefined the term "engaged in the business" for firearm dealers, which would have affected how federal licensing requirements apply to certain sellers. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The bill directly impacts firearm dealers operating under the current regulatory framework and the ATF's enforcement authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJRES 163) is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule finalized on May 9, 2024. The EPA rule established new emissions standards for greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power plants (both new and existing) and repealed a previous rule called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution would block this EPA rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). If passed, it would prevent the EPA rule from being enforced, directly affecting fossil fuel power plant operators and the EPA’s regulatory authority over emissions.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 139 is a congressional resolution seeking to disapprove a rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 10, 2024. The rule would have established minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities and required transparency in Medicaid payment reporting. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preventing these new staffing and reporting requirements from being implemented. The bill directly affects long-term care facilities and Medicaid programs by halting the enforcement of these specific standards.

Maddy summaryHR 9593, the MANAGER Act, requires federal agencies to conduct annual surveys of managers at GS-13 level or higher (supervisors/management officials) on specific workplace issues. The bill mandates surveys include questions about managers' confidence in discipline systems, support from leadership, adequacy of training, time to address performance issues, and whether poor discipline practices impact morale or employee retention. These surveys must include options for narrative responses to each question. The bill directly affects federal managers in supervisory roles and aims to gather data on management challenges within the federal workforce. It does not change existing policies but requires agencies to collect standardized feedback on management effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act (HR 7891) would require major online platforms (with high revenue or user numbers) to implement safety features for children and teens, including default protective settings, parental controls, and age verification. It would mandate platforms to report annually on risks to minors and their safety measures, and prohibit advertising harmful products (like tobacco, alcohol, or gambling) to minors. The bill directly affects social media platforms, online video games, and video streaming services that are used by minors, with the goal of preventing mental health harms, compulsive usage, and cyberbullying.

Maddy summaryHR 1425, the "No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act," requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness treaty through a two-thirds vote. The bill deems any convention, agreement, or international instrument on pandemic prevention drafted by the WHO’s International Negotiating Body (INB) as a treaty subject to Senate ratification, rather than allowing it to take effect as an executive agreement. This directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation regarding WHO agreements, ensuring Congress has a formal role in approving such binding international commitments. The bill stems from congressional concerns about WHO’s pandemic response and public skepticism toward the organization, as outlined in its findings.

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.