Rep. Lance Gooden

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 by preventing courts from dismissing claims based on time-related defenses (like laches or adverse possession) or other non-merits arguments (such as the act of state doctrine or forum non-conveniens). It specifically bars these defenses for claims seeking recovery of art looted by Nazis during World War II, ensuring cases are resolved on their merits. The bill applies to all pending cases and new claims filed after enactment, regardless of the victim's nationality. It strengthens the original law's purpose of enabling victims' heirs to pursue rightful recovery without procedural barriers.

Maddy summaryHR 875 amends immigration law to make non-citizens with DUI convictions inadmissible (preventing entry) and deportable (requiring removal after entry). It applies to any conviction for driving while intoxicated or impaired under state, tribal, or local law, regardless of whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. The bill directly affects non-citizens convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including impairment from other substances. This policy change expands immigration consequences for DUI offenses beyond current standards.

Maddy summaryHR 4199, the Modernize the Au Pair Program Act of 2025, updates federal regulations for the au pair program to improve affordability and flexibility for host families. The bill requires the Department of State to propose new rules within 90 days, including a revised stipend formula reflecting room, board, and childcare costs without making the program prohibitively expensive. It also mandates greater program flexibility to accommodate military families, first responders, single parents, and shift workers with non-traditional schedules. The bill explicitly prohibits states from regulating the program, ensuring all rules remain uniform under federal law as intended by Congress. This directly affects American host families seeking affordable childcare and au pairs participating in the cultural exchange program.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes technical corrections to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to streamline claims for individuals harmed by water contamination at Camp Lejeune. It clarifies the evidence required (30+ days at the base plus a link between contaminants and health harm), specifies that cases must be handled in North Carolina courts (with limited transfer options), and sets attorney fee caps (20% before suit, 25% after). These changes directly affect veterans and civilians who lived at Camp Lejeune and filed claims under the 2022 law. The bill does not create new eligibility but aims to improve the legal process for existing cases.

Maddy summaryHR 4119 requires the U.S. State Department to submit a detailed report within 180 days of enactment on the Polisario Front’s leadership, military activities, and ties to Iran, Russia, Hezbollah, the IRGC, and the PKK. It also mandates that the State Department and Treasury submit within 90 days whether the Polisario Front meets criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization or for sanctions under existing laws. The bill establishes a process for potential sanctions but includes a waiver if the Polisario Front engages in good-faith negotiations toward Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This legislation focuses on gathering evidence for future designations rather than immediately imposing sanctions. It directly affects U.S. foreign policy decisions regarding the Polisario Front and Western Sahara.

Maddy summaryHR 4072, the Pro Codes Act, requires standards development organizations (like ASTM or IEEE) to make technical standards publicly accessible online at no cost when those standards are incorporated by reference into federal, state, or local laws or regulations. This applies to over 23,000 standards currently referenced in the Code of Federal Regulations, ensuring the public can read them freely while allowing organizations to maintain revenue through paid subscriptions. The bill amends copyright law to mandate this free online access - including searchable features - within a reasonable timeframe after an organization learns a standard is referenced, without disrupting their business model. It balances public access with copyright protection, placing the burden of proof on anyone claiming an organization failed to comply. The law directly affects standards organizations, government agencies, and the public who rely on these referenced standards for safety, innovation, and compliance.

Maddy summaryHRES 520 is a House resolution honoring former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday, recognizing her life, achievements, and public service. It specifically highlights her advocacy for literacy - including establishing the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and supporting the National Literacy Act - and her roles as Second Lady and First Lady during her husband George H.W. Bush's presidency. This commemorative resolution does not create new laws or policies; it serves only to formally acknowledge her legacy. The resolution was introduced by House members on June 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 88 disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have allowed California to enforce its "Advanced Clean Cars II" vehicle emission standards. This rule, submitted by the EPA on January 6, 2025, sought to grant California a waiver to override federal preemption for its stricter vehicle pollution controls. The resolution, passed by Congress and signed into law on June 12, 2025, formally nullifies the EPA rule, preventing California from implementing its Advanced Clean Cars II program under this specific waiver. The bill directly affects California's ability to set its own vehicle emission standards for passenger cars and light trucks.

Maddy summaryHR 3966 requires certain tax-exempt organizations, including think tanks and cultural nonprofits, to annually disclose foreign contributions exceeding $10,000 from foreign governments, political parties, or entities controlled by them. The bill mandates that these organizations report the name of the foreign source and the total amount received, with this information made publicly available in a searchable IRS database. It directly affects nonprofits receiving significant foreign funding, aiming to increase transparency about potential foreign influence operations. The legislation targets funding from sources like foreign governments or entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party, as highlighted in congressional findings about influence campaigns. The policy change creates a new reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code, effective for tax years after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FIGHT Act of 2025, amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically prohibit gambling on animal fighting events and restrict the interstate transport of roosters used in such ventures. It defines "rooster" as male chickens over six months old and makes it unlawful to sponsor, exhibit, attend (for those under 16), or gamble on animal fighting events - whether in-person or broadcast. The bill creates a civil enforcement mechanism allowing any person to file a lawsuit to stop violations after providing 60 days' notice to authorities, with potential fines up to $5,000 per violation. It also establishes seizure of property used to facilitate violations and clarifies that state laws on animal fighting remain in effect unless directly conflicting with federal provisions.