Rep. Eric A. "Rick" Crawford

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 51 proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the authority to pass laws banning the physical desecration of the U.S. flag, such as burning, defacing, or mutilating it. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years, this amendment would allow Congress to create federal laws prohibiting such acts. The amendment itself does not ban flag desecration but would provide the constitutional basis for Congress to enact specific prohibitions. This change would primarily affect individuals who engage in flag desecration and require Congress to draft and pass new legislation to enforce the ban.

This resolution condemns recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches and calls on the current presidential administration to use appropriate law enforcement authorities to support their safety.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should work with Congress to develop and execute a strategy to counter the rise in violent crime across the country by reinforcing strong criminal justice policies, by laying blame on the perpetrators of violent acts, and by securing the southern border.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 1-7, 2022, as "National Correctional Officers Week" to recognize correctional officers' service. It expresses House support for the observance and honors correctional officers nationwide for their role in maintaining safety within correctional facilities. The resolution highlights their responsibilities in protecting public safety, managing inmate care, and working in high-risk environments. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for correctional officers' contributions.

Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act This bill establishes a new criminal offense for performing or attempting to perform an abortion if the probable gestational age of the fetus is 15 weeks or more. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. The bill provides exceptions for an abortion (1) that is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

Body Armor Safety Act of 2022 This bill requires body armor (for use by law enforcement) to comply with certain safety requirements in order to be imported into the United States. It also establishes new criminal offenses related to fraud in connection with such body armor.

Justice for American Victims Of Terrorism Act of 2022 This bill requires certain funds seized from Da Afghanistan Bank pursuant to a February 11, 2022, executive order to be transferred to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which provides compensation to certain U.S. persons injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism.

National Education Association Charter Repeal Act This bill repeals the federal charter granted to the National Education Association of the United States.

No User Fees for Gun Owners Act This bill prohibits a state or local government from imposing any insurance requirement, tax, user fee, or similar charge as a condition of the manufacture importation, acquisition, transfer, or continued ownership of a firearm or ammunition, with the exception of a proportionate sales tax. The bill imposes the same prohibition under the Internal Revenue Code for firearms, pistols, or revolvers, but allows for the assessment of a proportionate sales tax.

Employee Rights Act This bill makes various changes with respect to the collective bargaining process and labor relations. For example, the bill permits an employer to refuse to collectively bargain with a union within 90 days prior to the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement if the employer receives evidence that the majority of the employees in the bargaining unit do not support the union. The bill requires support from a majority of the employees in the bargaining unit (not just a majority of the employees voting) when electing union representation. The bill also requires unions to provide bargaining unit employees with the right to vote by secret ballot, including when voting whether to engage in a strike or refusal to work. Further, union dues, fees, assessments, and other contributions may be used for only collective bargaining or contract administrative functions. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for nullifying executive orders that the Office of Management and Budget determines are likely to result in an employer ordering a plant closure or mass layoff.