Rep. Dan Crenshaw

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1344) formally declares Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of the House of Representatives for failing to produce subpoenaed materials related to the Special Counsel's investigation of President Biden's handling of classified documents. It specifically cites his refusal to turn over "audio tapes" requested by the House Judiciary and Oversight committees on February 27, 2024. The resolution mandates that the Speaker impose a daily $10,000 fine on Garland (payable from his personal funds, not taxpayer money) until he complies with the subpoena. As a procedural resolution - not a law - it addresses a specific dispute over congressional oversight authority, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online platforms and internet service providers (like social media companies and messaging services) to report certain drug-related crimes to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Providers must submit reports if they have actual knowledge or a reasonable belief about fentanyl/methamphetamine sales, counterfeit prescription drugs, or illegal online pharmacies, including account details and location information. The law includes penalties for non-compliance ($190,000 for first violation) and requires the DEA to publish annual reports on the number of reports received and their outcomes. It exempts broadband internet providers and text messaging services from these requirements and includes privacy protections to prevent providers from being required to monitor content. The law aims to help law enforcement combat illegal drug trafficking by creating a structured reporting mechanism for online platforms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 2365, Public Law 118-66) directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Parkinson’s Project. It requires HHS to create and update a coordinated national plan for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and researching Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy), while coordinating federal research and care efforts across agencies like the NIH, CDC, and VA. The law mandates annual progress assessments, an advisory council with patient advocates and diverse experts, and annual reports to Congress on federal Parkinson’s programs and recommendations for improvement. It affects federal agencies managing Parkinson’s-related programs and aims to improve care coordination and research efficiency for patients and caregivers, with the law sunsetting in 2035.

Maddy summaryThe Conscience Protection Act of 2024 would strengthen protections for health care providers, facilities, and organizations that refuse to participate in or provide coverage for abortions, assisted suicide, or other procedures conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs. It creates a private right of action allowing individuals or entities to sue when their conscience rights are violated, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce existing conscience protections through the Office for Civil Rights. The bill prohibits discrimination against health care entities that decline to provide or facilitate these services, while ensuring these protections don't interfere with emergency care requirements under existing law. It also establishes clearer enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to terminate federal funding for non-compliance with conscience protections.

Maddy summaryHR 8847, the "Confronting CCP Human Rights Abusers Act," requires the U.S. Commerce Department to add China's Ministry of Public Security's Institute of Forensic Science (including its aliases) to the Commerce Department's sanctions list within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The law directly affects this Chinese entity by restricting its access to U.S. technology and exports through sanctions. A waiver is permitted if the President certifies the institute is not involved in human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, submitting this certification to Congress within 60 days. The bill's key mechanism is the mandatory inclusion on the sanctions list, with the waiver option tied to human rights certification.

Maddy summaryHR 8775, the Contingency Plan for Critical Infrastructure Act, requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess how critical infrastructure owners and operators can switch to manual operations during cyber incidents. Within 180 days of enactment, they must evaluate current plans, costs, and challenges of manual operation, and provide policy recommendations to maintain infrastructure services. FEMA must also update its cyber incident planning guidelines to include best practices for essential personnel to operate systems manually when digital systems fail. This bill directly affects critical infrastructure sectors (like energy, water, and transportation) by mandating concrete planning steps for cyber resilience. The law focuses on preparing for cyber disruptions without altering existing infrastructure requirements.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 113) is a symbolic congressional tribute honoring former President George H.W. Bush on the occasion of his 100th birthday. It recognizes his life, public service, and legacy without creating any new laws or affecting specific individuals or groups. The resolution formally acknowledges his career achievements, including his military service, presidency, and contributions to policy like the Americans with Disabilities Act, while expressing Congress's gratitude to him and his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1285) is a symbolic statement by a group of House members condemning the Biden administration's approach to mifepristone (the abortion pill), specifically the 2023 FDA decision allowing mail-order and pharmacy dispensing of the drug without in-person provider visits. It argues this policy eliminates safety safeguards like in-person ultrasounds to detect ectopic pregnancies, gestational age checks, and provider screening for coercion, potentially increasing health risks for patients. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but expresses disapproval of the FDA’s regulatory changes regarding mifepristone distribution. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect on abortion access or drug regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 8653 authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie, a U.S. Army officer who died during the Battle of Normandy in WWII. The bill specifies the medal will be presented to his nephew, Tom Howie, or his next of kin, and then permanently displayed at The Citadel Museum. It also permits the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs. This is a commemorative measure honoring Major Howie's military service and sacrifice, with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing or facilitating central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly to individuals through financial institutions. It specifically bans Federal Reserve banks from offering digital products to individuals, maintaining individual accounts, or using CBDC for monetary policy implementation. The bill also clarifies that its restrictions do not apply to existing physical cash or private, permissionless digital payment systems. This bill directly affects the Federal Reserve's ability to develop or deploy a government-run digital dollar. The law aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from creating a digital currency that could enable transaction tracking or government oversight of personal financial activity.