Rep. Tim Walberg

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. app stores, hosting services, and distributors from enabling foreign adversary-controlled applications (like TikTok, owned by ByteDance) to operate within U.S. borders. It requires companies to provide users with their data in a machine-readable format before a ban takes effect, and imposes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per affected user for violations. The law directly affects major app platforms, app stores, and internet hosting services, targeting applications owned by entities controlled by designated "foreign adversary" countries (e.g., China). It includes exemptions for companies that divest U.S. operations to non-adversary entities before the ban date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. immigration law to automatically bar immigrants from entering the country and require their removal if they have been convicted of, admitted to committing, or are charged with sexual assault. It directly affects non-citizens (aliens) who have been involved in sexual assault offenses, as defined under existing law. Key provisions add new grounds for inadmissibility (preventing entry) and deportability (requiring removal) specifically for such offenses under sections 212(a)(2) and 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill does not change criminal penalties for sexual assault but modifies immigration consequences for those with such convictions or admissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the H-2B visa program to better align visa numbers with economic needs. It creates an exemption from numerical limits for rural and seasonal workers (defined as areas outside metropolitan statistical areas with seasonal population increases), requires employers to maintain worksite safety plans, and prohibits foreign labor recruiters from charging workers fees. The bill also increases penalties for violations, requires employers to report certain employment events within 3 business days, and establishes stricter eligibility criteria for countries participating in the H-2B program. These changes aim to improve program integrity while protecting both workers and employers.

Maddy summaryHR 3277, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, reassigns specific energy emergency and security responsibilities to an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Energy. It adds new duties for the Assistant Secretary to handle infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, supply chain issues, and emergency response planning. The bill also authorizes the Department to provide technical assistance to states, local governments, or energy companies upon request when facing energy security threats. This is a procedural bill clarifying existing agency roles, not creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically identify firearms retailers as different from general stores or sporting goods retailers. This directly affects firearms retailers and payment networks by preventing them from using business classification codes that could flag firearm sales. The bill establishes an enforcement process where the Attorney General investigates complaints, issues remediation notices, and can seek court injunctions for non-compliance, while preempting state or local laws on this issue. It does not create private lawsuits for individuals.

Maddy summaryH.Res. 1019 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning the Nicaraguan government's imprisonment of 11 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway Ministry. The resolution states these arrests occurred without due process on baseless charges of money laundering and organized crime, with detainees lacking adequate legal counsel. It specifically calls on Nicaragua to address these violations of religious freedom and human rights, following the government's pattern of targeting religious groups. This symbolic resolution expresses congressional disapproval but does not impose legal requirements on Nicaragua.

Maddy summaryHR 7366 requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to publish monthly border encounter data on its public portal by the 7th of each month. This affects CBP directly, as it mandates the timely release of data on encounters at the border during the previous month. The bill also includes a penalty: if CBP misses this deadline, funding for the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security is reduced by 25% for the following month. The law focuses on ensuring transparency in border data reporting through specific deadlines and financial consequences.

Maddy summaryHRES 966 is a symbolic resolution condemning alleged sexual violence committed by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It specifically references eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and Hamas fighters' admissions of ordering gang rape, sexual mutilation, and assault against Israeli civilians. The resolution calls for international condemnation of such acts as weapons of war, urges nations to criminalize sexual violence, and supports investigations into Hamas' actions. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals but formally expresses the House's position on the issue.

Maddy summaryHR 7257, the GLRI Act of 2024, reauthorizes federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It specifically adds $500 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to the existing program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This funding directly supports ongoing environmental restoration projects in the Great Lakes region, including pollution cleanup, habitat restoration, and invasive species management. The bill extends current funding levels for the next five years without altering program requirements or eligibility.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that former President Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against, nor give aid or comfort to the enemies of, the United States.