Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a reimbursement program for businesses that handle permanently dyed diesel fuel or kerosene previously taxed under highway fuel tax rules but exempt from those taxes. The IRS will pay eligible businesses the amount of tax they paid on this fuel when it was removed from terminals, provided the fuel meets specific criteria (previously taxed but exempt under Section 4082). It directly affects fuel distributors and businesses using non-highway fuel, such as for agricultural or construction purposes. The payment applies to fuel removed 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHR 3404 requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to strengthen oversight of foreign manufacturers producing compressed gas cylinders for hazardous material transport in the U.S. It mandates annual inspections of these manufacturers, shortens initial approval periods to one year (with a possible five-year option under strict conditions), and requires applicants to disclose past penalties or criminal history. The bill also adds new disclosure requirements for applicants, including whether they’ve faced civil penalties, delinquent payments, or are listed on government watchlists. Additionally, it requires public comment periods for applications and annual publication of approved manufacturers' lists to increase transparency.

National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Program. The bill further directs DOJ to award a grant under the program to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for the expenses associated with community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs operated by the of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and National Law Enforcement Museum.

Maddy summaryThe FIGHT Act (HR 2742) amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically target animal fighting events, such as cockfighting, by defining "rooster" as any male chicken over six months old and banning the live broadcasting (simulcasting) of such events. It prohibits using the postal service or interstate transport to move roosters for animal fighting purposes and adds civil enforcement tools allowing citizens to sue violators after a 60-day notice period. Fines up to $5,000 per violation may be imposed, and property used in animal fighting ventures can be seized. These changes strengthen enforcement against animal fighting by expanding legal remedies for the public and authorities.

Maddy summaryHR 3249, the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, creates a 25% tax credit for businesses purchasing U.S.-manufactured printed circuit boards and establishes a federal program providing financial assistance for domestic manufacturing and research of these components. The bill directly affects U.S. businesses, particularly small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned companies, by offering incentives to build or expand facilities within the United States. Key provisions include workforce training requirements for recipients, preferences for projects that increase domestic production capacity or relocate from foreign-controlled areas, and strict restrictions on foreign entities of concern. The program is authorized with $3 billion for 2024-2025 and includes clawback provisions if projects aren't completed on schedule or if recipients collaborate with foreign entities on national security concerns.

Maddy summaryHR 3238, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, updates the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program to increase the availability of affordable housing across the United States. The bill makes several key changes including increasing state funding formulas, modifying tenant eligibility rules to better serve vulnerable populations (such as domestic violence victims and students), and expanding credit eligibility for projects in rural and Native American communities. Specific provisions raise the credit for properties serving extremely low-income households, clarify rules around tenant income increases, and require housing providers to protect victims of domestic violence. The bill also updates terminology from "low-income" to "affordable" throughout the tax code and enhances program transparency through data sharing requirements. These changes aim to make the LIHTC program more effective at creating and preserving affordable housing units for low-income households nationwide.

Maddy summaryThe Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act adjusts pay for Bureau of Prisons employees currently assigned to the "Rest of U.S." pay locality. It directs that if an employee's worksite is within 200 miles of another pay locality, they will be paid according to the nearest locality with the highest pay rate - replacing the lower "Rest of U.S." rate. This applies to correctional officers and other Bureau of Prisons staff, but excludes employees whose worksite is more than 200 miles from any other locality. The change takes effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe ACRE Act of 2023 amends the tax code to exclude interest income from certain rural and agricultural loans from taxable income for eligible lenders. It directly affects banks, savings associations, and their wholly-owned entities that provide qualified loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate, including single-family homes in designated rural areas (with a $750,000 loan balance cap) or aquaculture facilities. The key provision allows these lenders to exclude interest earned on qualifying loans from their gross income, effectively reducing their tax liability on such lending activity. The bill applies to loans made after its enactment date and aligns with existing definitions of rural property from the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987.

Maddy summaryHR 1750 sets a new minimum standard for pasteurized orange juice, requiring finished products to contain at least 10.0% orange juice soluble solids (excluding any added sweeteners) by weight. This rule directly affects manufacturers producing and selling pasteurized orange juice in the U.S. market. The bill revises existing federal regulations to enforce this minimum juice content level, ensuring a more consistent product definition. It does not change the Secretary of Health and Human Services' existing authority to further adjust these standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires airlines to publish cargo hold dimensions online and offer refunds if a traveler's wheelchair (powered, manual, or scooter) cannot fit. It mandates annual reports tracking wheelchair mishandling (damage, loss, or delay) by type and directs research into whether passengers could safely remain seated in their wheelchairs during flights. The law aims to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities who rely on mobility devices, with research focusing on costs, demand, and safety for in-cabin wheelchair seating. The Department of Transportation must report findings to Congress within specified timelines.