Rep. Jake Ellzey

Maddy summaryHR 8282, the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign individuals or entities supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating or prosecuting "protected persons." Protected persons include U.S. military personnel, officials, and allied personnel (from non-ICC member countries) who are not under ICC jurisdiction. The bill requires the President to block assets and deny visas to targeted foreign persons and their immediate family members within 60 days of the ICC attempting such actions. It mandates congressional notification of sanctions and allows termination if the ICC ceases all such efforts against protected persons. The law focuses on restricting U.S. economic and travel access to ICC supporters targeting specific U.S. and allied personnel.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 29, 2024, as "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day" to honor the organization's 125th anniversary. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging government agencies and the public to observe the day with ceremonies, though it creates no new laws or policy changes. The resolution recognizes the VFW's historical service to veterans but does not directly affect any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the tax credit for railroad track maintenance from $3,500 to $6,100 per mile of track. It adds an inflation adjustment starting in 2026, linking future credit amounts to the cost-of-living index. The bill also extends the qualifying period for maintenance expenditures from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2024. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, directly affecting railroad companies that maintain tracks.

Maddy summaryHRES 1420 is a disapproval resolution that stops a rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the "Keeping Families Together process." The resolution directs Congress to reject the rule, meaning it will have no legal effect and cannot be enforced. This resolution specifically targets a procedural rule related to immigration procedures, not new policy. It does not change immigration law or directly affect individuals but prevents the rule from being implemented. As a disapproval resolution, it is procedural and focuses solely on blocking the rule's enforcement.

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retired military members with access to classified information from seeking approval for foreign government employment for 30 months after retirement, with exceptions for the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It requires pre-approval from the Secretary of Defense and State Department for such employment, including national security reviews, and mandates annual reporting of foreign employment for five years post-retirement. Violations carry civil penalties up to $100,000 or the compensation received, plus potential five-year bans on federal employment or classified access. The bill also creates a public database tracking all approved foreign employment cases to increase transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 9308, the "No Frankenrail Act of 2024," prohibits federal funding for California's high-speed rail project unless at least one mile of rail is completed. It directly affects the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the Federal Railroad Administration, which manage the project that has received over $2.5 billion in federal funds since 2009. The bill blocks new federal funds for this "covered project" (defined as any high-speed rail project receiving funds before 2014) until the Secretary of Transportation certifies at least one mile of rail is built. This action stems from the project's significant cost overruns ($33 billion projected to $128 billion) and lack of completed infrastructure since its 2009 start. The bill does not terminate existing funding but halts future disbursements until the completion milestone is met.

Maddy summaryThe Safer Skies Act of 2024 requires certain smaller airlines to adopt the federal security screening program currently used by larger carriers. Specifically, it mandates that airlines operating passenger planes with more than 9 seats (that do not use TSA checkpoints, offer individual seats in advance with public schedules) must comply with the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program within 360 days of enactment. The Transportation Security Administration must revise its rules to enforce this new requirement. This directly affects regional carriers that currently skip standard airport security screenings but serve passengers under these specific operational conditions. The bill extends existing security standards to cover these previously exempt airlines without creating new security protocols.

Maddy summaryThe SWIM Act of 2024 creates a new tax deduction for basic water safety and swimming instruction expenses. It allows taxpayers to deduct up to $500 per year ($1,000 for joint returns or heads of household) for qualifying lessons focused on water safety and competency - not competitive swimming. Expenses include lesson fees and up to $100 per item for necessary equipment. The deduction applies to expenses paid for individuals participating in these specific safety-focused programs. This change affects taxpayers with children or dependents enrolled in approved basic swimming and water safety courses.

Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2024 This bill prohibits states or localities from imposing a levy or collecting an excise tax on the sale of a firearm, ammunition, or any part or component thereof, by a manufacture or retailer.