Rep. Lance Gooden

Maddy summaryThis bill expands grounds for denying entry to foreign nationals under U.S. immigration law. It makes individuals inadmissible if they engage in activities related to espionage/sabotage (even if such activity would violate U.S. law if done domestically), violate export laws for sensitive goods/technology, or seek entry to oppose the U.S. government by force. It also bars spouses or children of inadmissible individuals if the qualifying activity occurred within the last five years. The changes apply directly to foreign nationals seeking visas or entry into the United States.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, clinics, or related entities. It directs that funds previously allocated to Planned Parenthood must instead support other providers - including community health centers, hospitals, and clinics - that offer women’s health services like contraception, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce overall federal funding for women’s health care or affect existing abortion-related funding restrictions in appropriations laws. It ensures continued access to these services through alternative providers, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill denies U.S. green energy tax credits to companies connected to specific countries. It targets companies created in, controlled by, or owned by entities linked to China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. The law amends the tax code to exclude these "disqualified companies" from claiming credits under sections covering solar, wind, and other clean energy investments. This directly affects U.S. businesses with ties to those nations seeking federal tax benefits for green energy projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate its current biometric entry and exit system within 180 days of enactment. DHS must submit detailed reports to Congress on system costs, staffing, travel wait times, privacy impacts, and how the system affects legitimate travel, trade, and counterterrorism efforts - while excluding U.S. citizen data. The evaluation must assess existing infrastructure, training needs, private-sector partnerships, and compliance with procurement rules. This is an oversight measure focused on reviewing DHS’s current implementation, not creating new policy.

Maddy summaryThe Stand with Israel Act prohibits U.S. federal funds from supporting the United Nations Human Rights Council until the UN Security Council and General Assembly adopt a resolution condemning Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. This bill directly affects U.S. government funding for the UN Human Rights Council, blocking all assessed and voluntary contributions until the UN takes specific action. The key provision freezes U.S. financial support for the council based on Congress's finding that Hamas, with Iranian backing, launched a deadly attack resulting in civilian deaths and abductions. The law does not impact other UN funding or programs, focusing solely on the Human Rights Council's financial support.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 71 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for Taiwan's full participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. It urges the U.S. President to formally invite Taiwan's leader to attend all future APEC leaders' events held in the U.S. on equal footing with other member states, including the November 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco. The resolution cites Taiwan as a major U.S. trading partner and a democratic ally, emphasizing that respectful engagement aligns with U.S. economic and security interests. As a sense-of-Congress resolution, it does not create new law but reflects congressional preference for U.S. policy toward APEC participation.

This resolution condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel and expresses sympathy and solidarity with the families of those held hostage or killed in those attacks.  The resolution also adjourns the House of Representatives in honor of those killed and unaccounted for.

Maddy summaryHRES 796 is a non-binding House resolution condemning foreign nationals in the U.S. who have endorsed or supported Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or other designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It calls on the President to enforce existing immigration law (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(i)(VII)) to revoke visas and initiate deportation for such individuals. The resolution affirms that terrorism by these groups cannot be equated with Israel’s self-defense actions and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism. It does not create new laws but urges enforcement of current visa restrictions for those endorsing FTOs. The resolution references the Oct. 7 attacks that killed 1,300 Israelis and 30 U.S. citizens, as cited in the resolution’s preamble.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.