Sen. John R. Curtis

Maddy summaryHJRES 107 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule published on January 22, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 4128). The resolution aims to disapprove the FCC's rule implementing digital discrimination protections under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which would have required internet providers to prevent discriminatory practices. If passed, this resolution would nullify the FCC rule, preventing it from taking effect under the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). The bill directly affects the FCC's regulatory authority over digital discrimination enforcement in broadband services.

Maddy summaryHR 7193, the Wildfire Air Quality Act, modifies the Clean Air Act to exclude air quality monitoring data directly caused by significant wildfires from EPA enforcement decisions. Specifically, the EPA Administrator may exclude such data during "catastrophic or beneficial use wildfire" events deemed to have major air quality impacts when determining violations of national air quality standards. The bill requires the EPA to issue a final rule within 90 days of enactment to implement this exclusion. This change directly affects how the EPA evaluates air quality standard compliance during major wildfire events, potentially altering enforcement actions in affected areas. The provision does not change air quality standards or emissions requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of State to submit a report ranking all United Nations organizations based on how vital they are to U.S. interests. It does not change funding levels but mandates this ranking system to assess UN entities' value to the United States. The report will be provided to Congress, though the bill itself does not authorize or direct any funding adjustments. This procedural measure affects how U.S. officials evaluate UN agencies, without altering existing financial commitments.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a law (18 U.S.C. § 1715) that previously prohibited mailing firearms without a license. It directly affects the U.S. Postal Service, firearm sellers, and individuals mailing firearms by preventing the Postal Service from creating rules that would block firearm mailings or require disclosure of sensitive records like sales receipts or firearm serial numbers. Key provisions include removing the existing ban on mailing firearms and prohibiting the Postal Service from imposing new restrictions on firearm mailings or demanding customer transaction data. The bill ensures that firearm mailings can proceed without these specific federal restrictions, while applying to ongoing legal cases under the repealed law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 7004) makes a technical correction to the Mineral Leasing Act by replacing the term "gilsonite" with "asphaltite" in several specific sections of the law (30 U.S.C. 181, 241, 184, 182, 209, 226-3). It does not change any mining regulations, fees, or requirements; it only updates the legal terminology to reflect the more commonly used term "asphaltite" for this natural asphalt material. The bill affects how the law is written but has no impact on current mining operations, permits, or the entities that lease federal mineral rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new screening process for companies seeking federal funding to build rural broadband networks. It requires applicants to prove they have the technical, financial, and operational capability to deploy and maintain broadband networks meeting specific performance standards, including providing documentation about their business plan and past compliance with similar programs. The Federal Communications Commission must establish rules within 180 days to implement this vetting, including minimum penalties of $9,000 per violation for applicants who fail to meet requirements. The law directly affects companies applying for new high-cost universal service fund awards to deploy broadband in rural areas.

Maddy summaryThe Death Tax Repeal Act would eliminate the federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax for estates of people who die on or after the bill's enactment date, and for generation-skipping transfers made after that date. It would also establish a new $10 million lifetime gift tax exemption (adjusted annually for inflation) and replace the existing gift tax rate schedule with a revised structure. These changes would primarily affect high-net-worth individuals and their heirs, as the estate tax and gift tax typically apply to large estates or gifts exceeding the new exemption threshold. The bill's provisions would take effect on the date of enactment, with transitional rules for the year the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThe RIFLE Act of 2024 changes how the federal government handles violations by firearms licensees, affecting gun dealers and manufacturers who hold federal licenses. It creates a graduated penalty system where non-willful violations require the Attorney General to work with licensees to fix issues before taking action, while willful violations may lead to license suspension or revocation only after proper notice, hearing, and evidence of continued noncompliance. The bill establishes new procedures for administrative hearings, defines "willful" violations more clearly, and gives licensees 90 days to liquidate inventory after license expiration or revocation, with extensions possible for reasonable cause. These changes aim to create a more transparent process for addressing violations while maintaining public safety standards.

Maddy summaryThe HYDRO Act of 2024 requires the Western Area Power Administration to reduce rates for project use and firm electric service customers of specific Bureau of Reclamation hydropower projects (Salt Lake City Area Integrated Projects, Boulder Canyon Project, and Parker-Davis Project) when drought conditions predict annual energy production below set thresholds (4.9 million, 3.6 million, and 1.4 million megawatt-hours, respectively). Rate reductions apply monthly until production recovers to or above thresholds, are limited by unobligated project funds, and expire on December 31, 2031. The bill ensures no retroactive rate changes, maintains existing water rights, and uses existing funding without authorizing new appropriations. It directly affects Western U.S. customers of these hydropower projects during drought-related energy shortfalls.

Maddy summaryHR 6762, the Protecting American Advanced Manufacturing Act, blocks tax credits for manufacturing components produced by companies linked to foreign adversaries (like China or Russia). It prohibits the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit under tax code section 45X for any component made by a "disqualified entity," defined as companies with 10%+ ownership by foreign adversaries, subject to their control, or involved in prohibited financial arrangements (like debt or leases). This directly affects manufacturers relying on components from such entities, requiring them to source domestically or from non-adversary suppliers to qualify for the credit. The law takes effect for taxable years after its enactment, with the IRS given authority to establish implementation rules.