Maddy summaryHR 788, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023, prohibits federal agencies from entering settlement agreements that direct payments to third parties (other than the U.S. government) unless the payment directly reimburses actual harm caused by the defendant or covers services related to the case. It requires agencies to report annually on such settlements to Congress and mandates annual audits by agency Inspectors General to ensure compliance. The law applies to all federal agencies entering settlements after its enactment and includes a 7-year sunset provision. This directly affects how federal agencies handle settlements in civil cases, limiting their ability to divert settlement funds to external entities without clear, direct justification.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2024 would require the U.S. government to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a policy that forces certain asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed. It directly affects asylum seekers from Mexico and Central America who are seeking entry to the United States and would be subject to the MPP under this law. The bill mandates implementation of the MPP as described in a 2019 policy memo by former Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen. This would reverse the current administration's decision to end the program, requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico during their immigration proceedings.
Maddy summaryHR 6941, the Criminalize Fleeing from Immigration Enforcement Act of 2024, would make it a federal crime for individuals to flee or evade law enforcement officers enforcing specific immigration laws, including unauthorized entry (INA §275), re-entry after deportation (INA §276), or document fraud (INA §274). It directly affects people who flee officers identified as enforcing these immigration provisions or flee immigration checkpoints. The bill would impose penalties of up to five years in prison or fines for fleeing, with up to eight years for fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit. This amendment to Title 18, U.S. Code, creates a new criminal offense without changing existing immigration enforcement procedures.
Maddy summaryThe Count Only Citizens Act requires the U.S. Census Bureau to include a citizenship or lawful presence question on the 2030 and future decennial census forms. It mandates that the Secretary of Commerce adjust population counts for congressional apportionment to exclude non-citizens and individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. This change directly affects how congressional seats are allocated among states, potentially reducing representation for states with large non-citizen populations. The bill does not alter census counts used for other purposes, such as federal funding distribution.
Maddy summaryThis bill permanently cancels unused funds from the Department of Commerce's Nonrecurring Expenses Fund, which were set aside under the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act. It specifies that this cancellation won't count toward federal budget caps or allocation rules under existing budget laws. The bill directly affects how leftover government funds are handled within the Commerce Department's budget, eliminating a specific account for nonrecurring expenses.
Maddy summaryHRES 941 is a non-binding House resolution condemning the final agreement from the December 2023 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, which includes language urging a "transitioning away from fossil fuels." The resolution states that Congress believes the U.S. should not promote policies discouraging fossil fuels and urges the Biden administration not to implement policies aligned with the UN agreement. It references U.S. energy exports and economic benefits from fossil fuel production as context for its position. This resolution has no legal effect and serves only as a symbolic expression of congressional sentiment.
Maddy summaryThis bill would amend federal law to require the rejection of a state's electoral votes for president if a candidate nominated by a major political party did not appear on that state's ballot. It defines "major political party" using the IRS's criteria for "major party" status under the Internal Revenue Code. The change directly affects states' ability to certify presidential election results, as electoral votes from any state failing to include a major party candidate would be disqualified from counting. The bill does not alter voting procedures or ballot access but modifies the federal process for certifying electoral votes.
Maddy summaryThe Defense of Property Rights Act (HR 6758) would allow property owners to seek compensation in either U.S. District Court or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims when government actions - such as regulations or physical takings - deprive them of property rights without "just compensation." It repeals a law that previously forced owners to choose between courts, clarifies that "just compensation" includes full market value and business losses (with interest), and shifts the burden of proof to the government to justify regulatory actions. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses owning real estate, water rights, mineral rights, or other property protected under the Fifth Amendment, particularly when government rules significantly restrict property use or value. It sets a 6-year statute of limitations for claims and requires courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs.
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 357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, requires federal agencies to have rules signed by Senate-confirmed appointees (or senior appointees for initiation), aiming to increase oversight of regulatory decisions. It directly affects all federal agencies creating rules under standard procedures (covered by 5 U.S.C. § 553), ensuring higher-level accountability for rulemaking. Exceptions exist only if an agency head certifies that compliance would impede public safety/security, with required notifications to the OIRA Administrator and Federal Register publication. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will monitor agency compliance with these requirements.