Rep. H. Morgan Griffith

Maddy summaryHCONRES 3 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for pro-life facilities, groups, and churches targeted by vandalism and threats following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. It condemns specific incidents like graffiti, window-smashing, and arson at pregnancy centers and churches (e.g., in Frederick, MD, and Portland, OR), while recognizing the role of these organizations in supporting pregnant women. The resolution calls on the Biden Administration to use law enforcement to protect these facilities but does not create new laws or policies. As a symbolic measure, it has no legal effect on the incidents described.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal program to ensure domestic production of qualified personal protective equipment (PPE) for public health emergencies. It requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to create partnerships with U.S.-based manufacturers meeting strict criteria (headquartered in the continental U.S., 100% U.S. manufacturing, U.S. ownership, and compliance with CDC/OSHA standards). The law mandates that all federal, state, and local governments using federal funds must procure U.S.-manufactured PPE for infection prevention, with limited exceptions requiring detailed justification. It also requires a report on changes to PPE requirements since 2020 and their impact on frontline worker safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies when major industrial facilities (like factories or power plants) need new permits under the Clean Air Act. It specifically states that changes designed to reduce emissions per unit of production or improve safety/reliability won’t count as "modifications" requiring permits - unless the change would cause harm to health or the environment. This affects facilities seeking to upgrade equipment for efficiency or safety without triggering lengthy permitting processes. The bill streamlines existing rules by excluding these common improvements from permit requirements. It does not create new regulations but makes current definitions clearer for industry and regulators.

Maddy summaryThe HALT Fentanyl Act classifies all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances, affecting researchers, medical institutions, and law enforcement. It defines fentanyl-related substances broadly to include any chemical modifications meeting specific structural criteria, such as substitutions on the phenethyl or piperidine rings. The bill establishes expedited registration processes for research on these substances conducted by or funded by HHS or VA, and clarifies that certain research-related manufacturing activities do not require separate manufacturing registrations. It also requires researchers to notify the Attorney General about research involving these substances and outlines procedures for handling substances newly added to Schedule I.

Maddy summaryHR 167 allows pharmacies to compound drugs for urgent hospital use without a specific patient prescription under strict conditions. It requires hospitals to certify they couldn’t obtain FDA-approved or outsourcing-facility alternatives for the same active ingredient and route of administration. Compounded drugs must be labeled with a beyond-use date, marked for urgent use only, and hospitals must track patient administration within 7 days while reporting adverse events to the FDA within 15 days. This directly affects hospitals, pharmacists, and physicians during drug shortages, enabling faster access to necessary medications while maintaining safety and tracking requirements.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 6 establishes a Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities to study moving the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) functions to Congress. The committee, composed of 14 members from House and Senate trade committees, must develop a plan within 16 months for transferring USTR duties to the legislative branch, citing Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. It will consult a Congressional Advisory Board of 21 experts representing trade stakeholders and government interests. The plan must be submitted by the committee by July 1, 2024, or 4 years after the report, whichever is later. This is a procedural resolution focused on studying a potential constitutional shift - not an immediate policy change.

Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023 This bill removes short-barreled rifles (barrels of less than 16 inches in length) from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the transportation of such rifles in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such rifle where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled rifles. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of  certain rifles within one year after the enactment of this bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to assign Fairlawn, Virginia (an unincorporated community in Pulaski County) a unique ZIP Code separate from the neighboring independent city of Radford. Currently, Fairlawn shares Radford’s ZIP Code, causing sales tax revenue from Fairlawn’s electronic commerce to be misallocated to Radford. The bill requires the Postal Service to complete this designation within 180 days of enactment. It addresses a specific administrative issue related to tax collection, not broader policy changes.

This bill revises criminal provisions related to the interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition. An individual may transport a firearm between two places (e.g., states) where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the firearm. During transport, the firearm must be unloaded and secured or securely stored. Additionally, an individual may transport ammunition, or a detachable magazine or feeding device, between two places where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the ammunition, magazine, or feeding device. During transport, the ammunition, magazine, or feeding device must not be loaded into a firearm and must be securely stored. The term transport includes staying in temporary lodging overnight; stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, or medical treatment; and any other activities that are incidental to the transportation. It does not include transportation related to certain crimes. The bill prohibits the arrest or detention of an individual for a state or local firearm or ammunition violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to comply with the provisions of this bill.

Maddy summaryHR 24, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2023, requires a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve System's Board of Governors and Federal Reserve banks within 12 months of the bill's enactment. The Congressional auditor (Comptroller General) must then submit a detailed report to Congress within 90 days, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations for improving transparency. This bill directly affects the Federal Reserve System by mandating greater oversight of its operations and financial activities. The key provision repeals a prior limitation that prevented audits of certain Fed programs, aiming to clarify which activities are subject to audit under existing law.