Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Maddy summaryHR 6733, the American Investment Accountability Act, requires U.S. businesses to report certain investments to Congress. It targets "covered United States businesses" (non-small U.S. entities or foreign entities with significant U.S. ownership) making direct or portfolio investments exceeding specific thresholds ($5 million single transactions for direct investments, $10 million for portfolio) in "countries of concern" (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela) or "covered entities" tied to those countries. The bill mandates quarterly reports from the Commerce Department (tracking direct investments by sector and location), Treasury (tracking portfolio investments), and the SEC (tracking corporate actions like spin-offs or mergers involving covered entities). These reports will detail investment values, locations, and transaction sizes, with data disaggregated by sector and U.S. state. The law focuses solely on transparency, requiring no new investment restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 increases the expenditure cap for home- and community-based care for veterans from 65% to 100% of costs, with exceptions for certain cases based on clinical need and geographic factors. It establishes new programs including Veteran-Directed Care, which allows veterans to select and manage their own in-home care services, and Home-Based Primary Care, which provides in-home health care overseen by VA providers. The bill requires improved coordination with existing programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and mandates a centralized website with information about available services. It specifically targets veterans who would otherwise require nursing home care or face increased risk of hospitalization, and includes provisions to address home health aide shortages through pilot programs.

Wings for Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program to award grants to up to 10 flight schools to provide flight training for eligible veterans. Under the bill, an  eligible veteran  includes an individual who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and who was honorably discharged, meets the requirements to obtain at least a second class medical certificate, and certifies an intent to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. Flight schools may use grants for (1) the provision of guidance and pilot training services (including tuition and flight training fees); (2) the provision of related books, training materials, and equipment; and (3) program administrative costs. DOT must submit a report to Congress on the program and related issues.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans HOPE Act (HR 6353) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to review opioid overdose deaths among veterans who died between 2010 and 2016. It mandates a detailed analysis of these deaths, including demographics, medications prescribed (especially those with black box warnings), prescribing patterns, and causes of death. The review must identify veterans who died from heroin, fentanyl, or nonprescription opioids without recent opioid prescriptions, and assess VA policies on prescribing and disposal of opioids. The VA must submit a public report to Congress within 18 months, including findings and recommendations to improve veteran safety and reduce overdose rates.

Maddy summaryThe Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 caps family-based immigrant visas for any single country at 15% (2% for dependent areas) of total visas annually, addressing longstanding visa backlogs for certain nations. It establishes new requirements for H-1B employers, including posting job openings on a Department of Labor website, meeting specific wage requirements (minimum $90,000 or prevailing wage), and preventing discrimination against workers. The bill also creates enhanced procedures for investigating H-1B violations, increases penalties for noncompliance, prohibits certain visas for nationals of "foreign adversary countries," and establishes a new pathway for employment-based immigrants to adjust their status with specific job requirements during the process.

Maddy summaryThe Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023 requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adjust emissions calculations for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that run on E85 (a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol). It mandates that the EPA use a 31% lower CO2 emissions value for FFVs compared to standard gasoline vehicles, based on a study showing E85 reduces emissions by 31% per mile. This change directly helps vehicle manufacturers meet federal fleet emissions standards by making it easier to count FFVs as lower-emission vehicles. The EPA may further adjust this percentage higher if future studies support a larger reduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Congress to authorize any U.S. vote to allocate IMF funds (Special Drawing Rights) or support quota increases for eight specific countries: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Afghanistan under Taliban control. It directs the U.S. Treasury to oppose IMF proposals that would benefit these nations through funding or policy changes. The law applies directly to U.S. representation at the International Monetary Fund, preventing automatic U.S. support without legislative approval. It targets countries designated as adversaries or subject to U.S. sanctions.

Maddy summaryHRES 683 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's support for diplomatic efforts to encourage Mexico to fulfill annual water delivery commitments under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico treaty. The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (over a 5-year cycle) to the U.S., but Mexico has historically delayed deliveries until the cycle ends. The resolution specifically acknowledges water shortages faced by South Texas farmers and urges Mexico to meet its annual obligations, while supporting negotiations for more reliable water agreements. It does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages diplomatic action to address the delivery delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve data collection and analysis of suicides and suicide attempts by veterans occurring on VA property (e.g., at medical centers or facilities). It creates a cross-departmental working group - including staff from mental health, health care, benefits, and cemetery offices - to conduct root cause analyses, interview families, and standardize data collection through updated reports and a unified management system. The program requires annual briefings to Congress on findings and mandates annual VA reports starting in 2025 to track trends and recommend prevention strategies. Additionally, it directs the Comptroller General to assess the VA’s suicide prevention efforts, including staffing, policies, and organizational structure.

Maddy summaryHRES 884 is a non-binding House resolution honoring the six victims killed and 62 injured in the November 21, 2021, Waukesha, Wisconsin, Christmas parade attack. It specifically recognizes Wilhelm Hospel, Virginia Sorenson, LeAnna Owen, Tamara Durand, Jane Kulich, and Jackson Sparks, while acknowledging their community roles and the Waukesha community's healing efforts. The resolution offers condolences to families, applauds first responders, and recognizes the community's resilience through memorials like a 2023 parade memorial and blue-light tributes. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect but formally honors the victims and community response.