Rep. Gary J. Palmer

Maddy summaryThis resolution seeks to cancel a Department of Energy rule that provided loan guarantees for clean energy projects. The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 34419), would be voided if Congress approves this resolution. It would prevent the Department of Energy from implementing this specific loan guarantee program under the existing framework. This is a procedural disapproval measure targeting an existing regulation, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHJRES 185 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule about consumer financial data privacy. It targets the SEC's proposed update to "Regulation S-P," which would have required financial institutions to strengthen how they protect customer information and handle privacy notices. If passed, this resolution would prevent the SEC rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act. The bill directly affects banks, credit unions, and other financial firms that would have had to comply with the new data privacy standards.

Maddy summaryHJRES 186 is a procedural bill that directs Congress to formally disapprove a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule titled "Non-Compete Clause Rule." This rule, published in May 2024, aimed to restrict the use of non-compete agreements between employers and workers. The bill would nullify the FTC rule, preventing it from taking effect. It directly affects employers and workers who might have been subject to the rule's restrictions on non-compete clauses.

Maddy summaryHJRES 187 disapproves a rule issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) related to the Postal Service Reform Act and the establishment of a health benefits program for postal workers. The resolution, introduced on July 11, 2024, blocks the rule from taking effect by declaring it "shall have no force or effect." This action prevents the implementation of the proposed health benefits program under the Postal Service Reform Act. As a disapproval resolution, it does not create new policy but stops a specific administrative rule from being implemented.

Maddy summaryThis resolution blocks a U.S. Department of Energy rule that set new energy efficiency standards for circulator pumps used in heating and cooling systems. It directs Congress to disapprove the rule (published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2024), making it void. The bill directly affects manufacturers of circulator pumps by preventing the implementation of these new energy conservation requirements. The mechanism uses a statutory process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code for congressional disapproval of agency rules. This is a procedural resolution, not a new law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Energy rule that established new energy efficiency standards for consumer water heaters (published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2024). If approved, it would block that rule from taking effect by declaring it "have no force or effect" under federal law. The bill directly targets the specific energy conservation standards for water heaters, not broader policy changes. It is a procedural disapproval measure, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHJRES 182 is a joint resolution that disapproves a rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding placement requirements for LGBTQI+ children in foster care. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, would have set specific standards for how foster care agencies must place these children. If enacted, this resolution would make the HHS rule unenforceable, blocking its implementation nationwide. The bill directly targets the HHS rule, preventing it from affecting foster care systems and related policies.

Maddy summaryHR 8985, the Preventing Forced Abortions Act of 2024, prohibits federal courts from enforcing any surrogacy contract clause requiring a surrogate mother to have an abortion at the request of intended parents or their agents. The bill mandates courts to enforce payment to the surrogate for her services, regardless of any contract term tied to abortion, including clauses penalizing refusal (like reduced pay or liquidated damages). It directly affects surrogacy agreements between intended parents and surrogate mothers, ensuring surrogates cannot be forced to undergo abortions against their will while protecting their contractual compensation. The law defines "abortion" as intentionally terminating a pregnancy except in specific medical circumstances, such as after fetal viability or removing a non-viable fetus.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for elementary and secondary schools that partner with Chinese government-funded programs, including Confucius Institutes, Confucius Classrooms, or other entities receiving support from China's government (e.g., through teaching materials, personnel, or funds). It directly affects schools with these specific ties to the People's Republic of China. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, with the Education Secretary required to notify schools and provide compliance guidance within 90 days of enactment. The policy change blocks federal education funds for schools meeting the defined criteria, without altering existing educational content or curriculum standards.

Maddy summaryHJRES 180 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a Department of Energy rule requiring clean energy standards for new federal buildings and major renovations. It seeks to block the rule (published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2024) from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule’s requirements for federal construction projects, directly affecting agencies responsible for building management. The measure does not create new policy but halts an existing regulatory requirement through a standard congressional review process. This is a procedural vote focused on overturning a specific federal regulation.