Rep. Robert J. Wittman

Maddy summaryHR 1777 establishes a $50 million annual fund (2024-2028) for collaborative defense research between the U.S. and Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, directed energy, and automation. The bill directly supports U.S. and Israeli military forces by enabling joint development of new warfare capabilities to address current and future defense challenges. Key provisions include authorizing $50 million per year for collaborative projects, building on existing U.S.-Israel defense partnerships like counter-tunnel and counter-drone systems. This funding aims to strengthen bilateral defense innovation without altering existing military aid structures.

This resolution supports the preservation of the stepped-up basis tax rule that allows recipients of inherited assets such as land, equipment, or buildings to adjust the cost basis of the assets to reflect their fair market value. The resolution opposes any efforts to impose new taxes on family farms or small businesses and recognizes the importance of generational transfers of farm and family-owned businesses.

Maddy summaryHR 1748, the Quantum in Practice Act, amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to explicitly include "quantum molecular modeling or simulation" as a priority research area. This change directs federal funding and research efforts toward advancing quantum computing applications for molecular-level simulations. The bill directly affects scientists and researchers working under the National Quantum Initiative Act by expanding their program focus to include modeling chemical processes, materials, and reactions. Key provisions add this specific research category to existing funding priorities, aiming to accelerate breakthroughs in fields like sustainable fertilizers, drug development, and advanced materials. The policy change is purely procedural, redirecting existing program resources without creating new funding.

Maddy summaryThe BNA Fairness Act (HR 1732) changes federal tax rules to exclude the basic needs allowance from taxable income for active-duty military members. This specifically affects service members who receive the basic needs allowance under 37 U.S.C. §402b, making this benefit fully tax-free. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to add the allowance as a qualified military benefit under Section 134(b). The change applies to tax years beginning after the bill's enactment date, providing immediate tax relief for affected service members.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new health and identification requirements for importing live dogs into the U.S. Importers must provide veterinary certification proving dogs are healthy, vaccinated, treated for parasites, and permanently identified (e.g., microchipped), with documentation from accredited veterinarians. Dogs imported for transfer (sale, adoption, etc.) must be at least 6 months old and accompanied by a Secretary-issued permit. Limited exceptions exist for research, veterinary treatment (with quarantine), and Hawaii-specific puppy imports under state regulations, with regulations to be finalized within 18 months. The bill repeals a prior section of the Animal Welfare Act and strengthens enforcement through penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHR 1043 requires the U.S. Department of the Interior to immediately resume quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales in specific states, including Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, and others. It mandates offering all eligible lands nominated under existing land use plans for leasing, with replacement sales if original sales are canceled or receive insufficient bids. The bill directly affects federal land management practices and oil/gas companies seeking leases on public lands. It specifies that lease sales must occur quarterly in designated states and requires reports to Congress if sales are missed. The legislation focuses on restoring routine leasing processes under existing laws, without altering environmental review requirements.

Protecting American Sovereignty Act This bill prohibits the federal government from implementing any obligations upon the United States that may be contained in a draft report by a World Health Organization (WHO) working group on strengthening the WHO's preparedness and response to health emergencies. This prohibition shall also apply to any related or successor reports and recommendations regarding pandemics.

Maddy summaryHRES 215 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Nowruz, the ancient Persian New Year celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide, including Iranian Americans. It acknowledges Nowruz’s 3,000-year cultural history, its themes of renewal and human rights, and expresses appreciation for Iranian Americans’ contributions to U.S. society. The resolution has no binding policy impact but formally supports the holiday’s observance and the values of freedom and tolerance it embodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the use of 529 college savings accounts to cover career training and credentialing costs. It allows funds to pay for tuition, fees, books, and testing expenses related to recognized postsecondary credential programs (like vocational certifications) that meet specific standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The change directly affects workers seeking industry-recognized credentials - such as nursing certifications or IT certifications - instead of traditional degrees. It treats these expenses the same as traditional college costs for 529 account withdrawals, making it easier to save for career-focused training. The provision applies to expenses paid after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled misleadingly as the "Customs Business Fairness Act," is actually a narrow amendment to bankruptcy law, not customs policy. It modifies Section 507(d) of the Bankruptcy Code to exclude "subparagraph (F)" from certain debt treatment rules, affecting businesses filing for bankruptcy under Title 11 after the law's enactment. The amendment applies only to bankruptcy cases commenced after the bill becomes law, not to cases filed before it was enacted. This is a procedural change with no direct impact on customs operations or import/export regulations.