Rep. Mike Collins

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "SAFER Voter Act" but focused on firearms, amends federal law to require federal firearms licensees to verify that buyers of handguns (not shotguns or rifles) are at least 21 years old. It directly affects gun dealers and individuals under 21 seeking to purchase handguns. The key provision removes existing exceptions allowing sales of handguns to those under 21, requiring licensees to confirm age before transferring handguns. The bill does not address voting rights or voter registration, despite its misleading title. (Note: The bill's title conflicts with its actual provisions, which relate to firearm age restrictions.)

Maddy summaryHR 6734 prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rule (2022R-17) defining "engaged in the business as a dealer in firearms." This bill directly affects the ATF by blocking funding for this specific regulatory rule, which was proposed in August 2023. The legislation does not create new requirements but prevents federal resources from being used to advance this particular ATF regulation.

Maddy summaryHR 6619, the PATROL Act, prevents the federal government from suing states for building border barriers. It specifically blocks the Attorney General from filing civil lawsuits under the 1899 Act against states that construct physical barriers (like walls, fences, or buoys) along the border to stop illegal entry or protect state territory. The law directly affects states building such barriers and the federal government’s legal authority to challenge those actions. This is a procedural change that removes a legal obstacle for states pursuing border security measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts warrantless surveillance of U.S. persons by amending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. It limits who can conduct queries of U.S. person data (capping at five personnel per FBI field office), prohibits using such queries for law enforcement without proper authorization, and requires documentation of all queries. The bill creates exceptions for emergencies, consent, and cybersecurity, but prohibits using metadata results to access protected communications. It also limits how information acquired under Section 702 can be used in criminal proceedings, requiring specific approvals for such use.

Maddy summaryThis resolution censures Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) for pulling a fire alarm during a critical House vote on federal funding in September 2023. It follows Bowman's guilty plea to violating D.C. law (section 22-1319) for falsely reporting a fire, which forced the evacuation of the Cannon Building and disrupted congressional business. The resolution requires Bowman to appear in the House chamber for the public reading of the censure and formally accepts his $1,000 fine and apology letter as part of the disciplinary action. This is a procedural House disciplinary measure, not a policy change affecting constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHRES 910 is a commemorative resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States (1977-1981). The resolution expresses the House's mourning for her passing and recognizes her advocacy for mental health care, founding of The Carter Center, and work establishing support for family caregivers through the Rosalynn Carter Institute. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates her humanitarian contributions. This procedural resolution was introduced by Georgia representatives and passed unanimously on December 5, 2023.

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 summaryHRES 877 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that condemns Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chair Phil Mendelson, and Councilman Charles Allen for their handling of crime in Washington, D.C. The resolution cites rising crime statistics - including increased homicides, robberies, and property crimes - as justification for its condemnation, while noting a reduction of approximately 500 officers in the Metropolitan Police Department. As a symbolic statement with no legal effect, it does not alter any laws or policies but expresses the House's disapproval of the DC government's approach to public safety. This resolution was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability after introduction on November 17, 2023.

Maddy summaryHR 6432, the Safeguarding Honest Speech Act, prohibits federal agencies from using funds to require employees or contractors to use preferred pronouns or names that conflict with a person’s biological sex at birth (defined as "sex" based on reproductive biology and genetics). It directly affects federal workers and contractors by banning mandatory language use tied to gender identity. The bill mandates agencies issue a formal response within 30 days of a complaint about such policies and allows affected employees to sue for damages, including up to $100,000 in punitive damages, with a one-year statute of limitations. Key provisions focus on preventing compelled speech in federal workplaces through funding restrictions and enforceable legal remedies.

Maddy summaryHRES 798 is a House resolution condemning support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at colleges and universities. It states such support may create a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff, citing incidents like blaming Israel for the October 7 Hamas attack. The resolution urges the Secretary of Education to direct the Office for Civil Rights to investigate and take action where appropriate. This non-binding resolution expresses the House's position but does not create new law or policy changes.