Rep. Robert E. Latta

Maddy summaryHR 6466, the Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act, prohibits non-consensual administration of abortion drugs (like mifepristone or misoprostol) to pregnant women without their informed consent. It criminalizes this act with penalties up to 25 years in prison and allows victims to sue for triple damages, psychological/physical injury compensation, and attorney fees. The bill directly affects pregnant women who might face coerced procedures and medical providers or others who administer such drugs without consent. Key provisions include criminal penalties for the act itself, enhanced penalties for serious injury or death, and a civil remedy framework for victims seeking compensation.

Maddy summaryHR 5563, the DRIVE-SAFE Act, creates a structured apprenticeship program for commercial drivers under age 21. It requires employers to provide a two-phase training program: a 120-hour probationary period focused on basic driving skills (like traffic navigation and safety awareness), followed by a 280-hour period covering advanced tasks (such as pre-trip inspections and load management). During both phases, apprentices must operate vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, collision mitigation systems, and video capture, and must be accompanied by an experienced driver (26+ years old with no recent accidents or violations). The bill does not change existing commercial driver’s license requirements and mandates employers to maintain records and provide remediation for preventable accidents or violations during training.

Maddy summaryHR 3109, the REFINER Act, requires the U.S. Department of Energy to direct the National Petroleum Council to submit a report within 90 days of enactment. The report must examine U.S. petrochemical refineries' role in energy security, analyze their current capacity and expansion opportunities, assess risks to these facilities, and evaluate federal or state policies that may have reduced refinery capacity. It also mandates recommendations for increasing refinery capacity and requires the report to be made publicly available. This bill directly affects refineries, federal agencies, and Congress by mandating a comprehensive study on the sector's status and future needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution (not a law) recommending the U.S. Navy name a vessel after Rear Admiral Alene Duerk. It directs the Secretary of the Navy to honor her by naming a ship "U.S.S. Rear Admiral Alene Duerk," recognizing her service as the first woman promoted to rear admiral in the Navy. The bill details her WWII nursing service, postwar career progression, and military medals, but does not create new policy or funding. It is a non-binding expression of congressional sentiment regarding naval vessel naming.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 869) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the November 10, 1975, sinking of the Great Lakes freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members who died in the tragedy and recognizes the enduring contributions of Great Lakes shipping to the U.S. economy and cultural heritage. The resolution also acknowledges efforts by historians, museums, and communities to preserve the ship's legacy and promote maritime education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to mark this historical event.

Maddy summaryHR 5966 establishes the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advance large-scale restoration and protection of the Ohio River Basin. The program, funded with $350 million annually from 2026-2030, directs the EPA to create a dedicated Program Office and advisory council including representatives from the 14 Ohio River Basin states, tribal governments, and regional agencies. It requires projects to improve water quality, increase flood resilience, restore habitats, control invasive species, and remediate toxins - prioritizing natural infrastructure like restored wetlands over traditional structures. The program mandates annual public reporting on progress, funding use, and project outcomes, with the EPA developing a detailed action plan within two years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related government operations continue during federal shutdowns. It designates background checks (via the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforcement, and firearm export licensing (handled by Commerce and State Departments) as essential services that must remain operational. These functions would be treated as "excepted" under federal law, meaning their employees would continue working even if other government services halt. The bill affects how background checks and firearm export licenses are processed during shutdowns but does not change gun ownership laws or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 128 proposes a constitutional amendment to withhold salaries from members of Congress during government shutdowns. A government shutdown is defined as a period when federal agencies lack funding due to Congress failing to pass an appropriations bill or continuing resolution. The amendment would require Congress to pass implementing legislation to enforce this pay suspension. This policy would directly affect all current House and Senate members by stopping their regular salaries during any shutdown period.

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.