Sen. John R. Curtis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to study whether the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The commission, composed of 8 members appointed by congressional leaders with expertise in Jewish American history and museum administration, will examine the museum's collections, financial status, governance, and feasibility of transfer within two years. The commission must submit a report detailing findings, a fundraising plan, and legislative recommendations for any potential transfer. The bill does not transfer the museum but creates a process to evaluate the possibility.

Maddy summaryHR 7438 directs the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins. The coins will be sold to the public at face value plus surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin, respectively), with all surcharge revenue paid to FWC2026 US, Inc. for U.S. soccer programs. These funds must support soccer initiatives, particularly in underserved communities and youth development, as specified in the bill. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued during 2026, with no net cost to the U.S. government.

Maddy summaryHR 10012 amends the Veterans Community Care Program to include eyeglass lens fittings as an authorized medical service for veterans. This directly affects veterans enrolled in the program who need eyeglass fittings through non-VA providers. The bill requires the VA Secretary to establish regulations ensuring veterans can schedule these fittings at nearby community providers. The VA must also submit a report to Congress within 180 days detailing implementation progress, challenges, and veteran benefits. This changes the scope of covered services without altering eligibility or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThe Alex Gate Safety Act of 2024 (HR 10259) requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish mandatory safety standards for automatic and manual vehicular gates, as well as any gate over 48 inches wide or 84 inches high. These standards, to be implemented within one year, mandate specific safety features including compliance with ASTM or ANSI safety standards, prevention of gates falling more than 45 degrees when detached, balanced operation without self-movement, physical stops to prevent motion, and clear safety instructions for consumers. The bill also requires the CPSC to launch a public education campaign within two years, providing safety materials for manufacturers, installers, retailers, and consumers to prevent injuries from falling or detached gates. These requirements directly affect gate manufacturers, installers, and consumers who use or maintain these gates.

Maddy summaryThe Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (HR 807) directs the U.S. Treasury to mint three types of commemorative coins honoring working dogs' service: $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins with specific weight and composition requirements. Each coin will carry a surcharge ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars) that will be paid directly to America's VetDogs to support their programs providing service dogs for veterans, the disabled, and others. The coins will be issued in 2027 with designs reflecting working dogs' roles in military, detection, therapy, and assistance work. The legislation specifies that all surcharge revenue must fund America's VetDogs' operations without creating new government programs. This is a commemorative measure focused on honoring working dogs' contributions through coin sales, with all surcharge funds going to a specific nonprofit organization.

Maddy summaryThe Cleaner Biofuels Act of 2024 revises the Clean Air Act to allow corn-based ethanol to count as an advanced biofuel when it achieves at least 50% lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions (compared to baseline), and creates a new system for generating supplemental Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). Producers of qualifying corn ethanol earn 30%-40% additional RINs for 50%-60% emissions reductions, while other advanced biofuels earn 50%-100% more RINs for 70%-100% reductions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue rules within one year to verify emissions reductions from farming practices, add supplemental RINs to the Renewable Fuel Program, and adjust annual RIN requirements to maintain program goals. This directly affects biofuel producers, the EPA, and the Renewable Fuel Program by expanding RIN eligibility and requiring new verification processes.

Maddy summaryThe SCAM Platform Act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a free public tool on its website within one year of the bill's passage. This AI-powered tool will let people submit potential scams - like emails, texts, or website links - and rate their likelihood of being fraudulent. It will evaluate submissions based on false or misleading information meant to trick users into paying money or sharing personal details. The tool directly affects everyday internet users by providing a simple way to identify common scam tactics. The FCC will determine the specific rating scale used for these evaluations.

Maddy summaryHR 9969 requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Energy to create a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group. This MOU must address how a recent environmental decision (the 2024 Glen Canyon Dam Record of Decision) could impact the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund, which finances dam operations and infrastructure. The plan must specifically examine effects on routine fund obligations, hydropower production costs at Glen Canyon Dam, and potential impacts on endangered species. The bill focuses on establishing a process for coordination, not implementing new policies.

Maddy summaryHR 8706, the "Dismantle DEI Act of 2024," would prohibit federal agencies from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, programs, or training by requiring the closure of existing DEI offices within 90 days and banning federal funding for DEI-related activities. The bill defines "prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion practices" as those that discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin, or require training that asserts a particular group is inherently superior or inferior. It would rescind several executive orders related to racial equity and gender inclusion, and prohibit the use of federal funds for DEI-related activities across all federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients. The bill contains limited exceptions for Equal Employment Opportunity offices and disability rights enforcement offices as historically organized and operated.

Maddy summaryHRES 1583 expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating November 20, 2024, as "National GIS Day." It highlights the role of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in government, business, education, and problem-solving, emphasizing its use for sharing data, addressing societal challenges, and driving economic growth. The resolution encourages users, educators, students, and innovators to continue leveraging GIS for learning, analysis, and innovation. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups but promotes awareness of GIS applications.