Rep. Beth Van Duyne

Maddy summaryHR 9075, the "Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2024," increases penalties for falsely claiming military honors by raising the maximum jail term from one to three years for fraudulent misrepresentation of military decorations, the Congressional Medal of Honor, or combat badges under federal law. The bill requires the Attorney General to conduct a study within 90 days of enactment to identify government benefits obtained through such fraud, in coordination with the VA Inspector General. It mandates a report to Congress within 180 days detailing study findings and policy recommendations. This law directly affects individuals who falsely claim military service awards to gain benefits or status. The primary changes are the enhanced criminal penalties and the mandated study to address fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax depreciation rules for commercial and rental real estate. It changes the standard depreciation period for nonresidential real property (like offices) and residential rental property (like apartment buildings) to 20 years, removing bonus depreciation for these assets. It also creates a "neutral cost recovery" system that adjusts annual tax deductions based on GDP inflation data to maintain consistent tax treatment over time. These changes apply to property placed in service after the bill’s enactment date, affecting commercial property owners and rental investors through revised tax calculations.

Maddy summaryHJRES 164 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a rule issued by the Department of Commerce regarding firearms license requirements. It directly targets the rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 34680), which would have revised licensing procedures for firearms dealers. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect by invoking the congressional disapproval process under federal law. The bill does not create new regulations but aims to halt an existing rule affecting gun license applicants and dealers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Small Business Act to add penalties for small businesses falsely claiming goods or services are "Made in America" to win federal contracts. It increases the disqualification period from 3 to 5 years for such violations, applying existing penalty provisions (subsection (d)(2)) with this modification. The bill directly affects small business concerns that submit false claims to secure federal contracts. It does not create new requirements but strengthens enforcement against deceptive marketing in federal procurement. The change is procedural, targeting false claims in contract awards without altering broader "Made in America" policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for elementary and secondary schools that partner with Chinese government-funded programs, including Confucius Institutes, Confucius Classrooms, or other entities receiving support from China's government (e.g., through teaching materials, personnel, or funds). It directly affects schools with these specific ties to the People's Republic of China. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, with the Education Secretary required to notify schools and provide compliance guidance within 90 days of enactment. The policy change blocks federal education funds for schools meeting the defined criteria, without altering existing educational content or curriculum standards.

Maddy summaryHJRES 170 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a federal rule that would have required new housing projects financed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to meet specific energy efficiency standards. The rule, published in April 2024, aimed to set these standards for new construction in federally subsidized housing. If passed, this resolution would block the rule under the Congressional Review Act, making it legally void. It directly affects developers and builders of HUD- and USDA-financed housing by removing the requirement to comply with these energy standards.

Maddy summaryHR 2833, the Pretrial Release Reporting Act, requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to submit a detailed report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. The report must include data on individuals charged with specific violent felonies (such as murder, rape, robbery, or aggravated battery) who were granted bail or pretrial release in state courts. It will cover how many were rearrested for additional violent crimes, missed court dates, bail amounts, and factors courts use for release decisions, especially for those with prior violent felony convictions. This bill does not change release policies but mandates updated data collection to address gaps in existing reporting since 2020.

Maddy summaryHRES 901 is a U.S. House resolution expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan. It calls on the U.S. President and Secretary of State to collaborate with Pakistan to uphold democratic processes, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution urges Pakistan to protect freedoms of speech, assembly, and press, and to avoid arbitrary detention or suppression of political participation. It also condemns efforts to undermine Pakistan's electoral or judicial systems, including harassment of citizens during protests or interference with elections.

Maddy summaryHR 8809, the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act of 2024, requires businesses like shippers, brokers, and freight forwarders (but not individual shippers) to verify a motor carrier’s safety compliance before shipping goods. Specifically, they must confirm the carrier is properly registered, has required insurance, and meets all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards - verified through a public FMCSA status check - within 45 days before shipment. The bill also directs the Transportation Secretary to update safety fitness regulations within one year to include these verification requirements. Individual shippers are exempt from these checks and are automatically considered reasonable in carrier selection.

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.