Rep. Lance Gooden

Maddy summaryHR 7747, the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act of 2024, reclassifies existing federal district court judgeships in specific jurisdictions under a new section of law (28 U.S.C. § 133). It directly affects the courts in Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas by updating their authorized judge counts, such as adding 4 judgeships for Hawaii and increasing California's Central District to 28. The bill modifies the official table in federal law to reflect these new numbers without creating new permanent positions. It authorizes necessary funding to implement these changes. This is a procedural adjustment to judgeship authorizations, not a policy change affecting the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the interstate transport, sale, breeding, or possession of captive American mink raised for fur production (including parts or offspring), directly affecting mink fur farmers and the fur industry. It includes a limited exception for entities covered under the Lacey Act and establishes a buy-out program where the government may purchase mink farms. The buy-out amount is based on the farmer's average mink count over three years and the farm's infrastructure value. Funding for the buy-out depends on available appropriations. The bill does not apply to mink not raised for fur or to certain wildlife management activities.

Maddy summaryHR 6421, the Affordable HOMES Act, repeals federal requirements for energy efficiency standards in manufactured housing. It removes the authority established under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to set such standards and invalidates a 2022 Department of Energy rule implementing those standards. This bill directly affects manufactured home manufacturers by eliminating a federal regulatory requirement related to energy conservation.

Maddy summaryThe Laken Riley Act (HR 7511) would require federal authorities to detain non-citizens charged with or convicted of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting offenses. It also creates new legal standing for state attorneys general to sue federal immigration officials in federal court if they believe immigration enforcement decisions (like releasing aliens or granting parole) cause financial harm exceeding $100 to the state or its residents. The bill amends immigration laws to expand detention requirements for certain property crimes and allows states to seek court orders to enforce immigration policies. It does not create new criminal penalties but modifies existing immigration enforcement procedures. The bill’s findings and political language about the Laken Riley case are not part of its policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 7577, the CHEERS Act, creates a new tax deduction for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues by expanding eligibility under the energy efficiency tax code (Section 179D). It defines "qualified energy-efficient draft property" as stainless steel or aluminum containers and tap equipment used for alcohol distribution in these businesses, treating them as eligible for the existing energy efficiency tax deduction. This change applies to equipment placed in service after the bill's enactment date, directly benefiting hospitality businesses that own or lease such equipment. The provision modifies existing tax code language without creating new tax rates or altering other regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Immigration Detainer Enforcement Act of 2024 requires state and local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals for up to 48 hours if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues a detainer, primarily targeting people with criminal records who may be removable from the U.S. It mandates that local agencies share immigration status information with DHS and provides federal funding to states that detain qualifying criminal aliens - defined as those convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors who entered without inspection or violated visa status. States failing to comply with detainer requests risk losing priority for federal law enforcement grants and equipment. The bill allocates $750 million for 2024 to cover detention costs for these individuals, with annual funding increasing through 2030.

Maddy summaryHR 7509, the CARE Act, amends immigration law to limit where refugees can be resettled in the U.S. It prohibits resettling refugees in any state or locality that has formally disapproved of refugee resettlement through its governor, state legislature, or local government leadership. This applies for each fiscal year and directly affects refugee resettlement programs by requiring states or localities to actively approve resettlement to receive refugees. The bill changes the process by making local disapproval a legal barrier to resettlement, without altering overall refugee admission numbers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Secretary of State to actively use U.S. diplomatic resources, including the voice and influence of U.S. diplomats and officials at the International Boundary and Water Commission, to advance efforts ensuring Mexico complies with the 1944 water treaty. It requires U.S. officials to work toward establishing reliable water delivery agreements under the treaty for the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande rivers. The key mechanism is mandating diplomatic engagement to address Mexico's compliance with treaty obligations, aiming to secure predictable water flows for U.S. users. The bill affects U.S. diplomatic operations and water management coordination with Mexico, focusing on treaty implementation rather than new water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHRES 1031 is a non-binding House resolution declaring the U.S. southern border situation an "invasion," citing three specific claims: over 8 million migrant crossings since 2021, a 1,000% rise in watchlist entries, and drug-related deaths. It does not create new laws or affect individuals, as resolutions like this only express legislative sentiment. The bill formally states the House's viewpoint through these cited statistics without proposing policy changes. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal force or impact on border policy.

Maddy summaryHR 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically identify firearms retailers as different from general stores or sporting goods retailers. This directly affects firearms retailers and payment networks by preventing them from using business classification codes that could flag firearm sales. The bill establishes an enforcement process where the Attorney General investigates complaints, issues remediation notices, and can seek court injunctions for non-compliance, while preempting state or local laws on this issue. It does not create private lawsuits for individuals.