Rep. Andy Biggs

Maddy summaryHR 5577, the FACE Act Repeal Act of 2023, would repeal a federal law (Section 248 of Title 18, U.S. Code) that made it a crime to block access to abortion clinics or threaten clinic staff. This repeal would remove criminal penalties for obstructing access to clinics, affecting abortion providers, clinic staff, and individuals attempting to access or block clinic entrances. The bill specifically targets the repeal of this prohibition, applying to prosecutions pending or initiated after the law's enactment. It does not change other abortion-related laws or create new policies.

Maddy summaryHR 5531, the "End U.N. Censorship Act," prohibits U.S. federal funds from supporting specific United Nations initiatives related to information labeling. It bans funding for the UN's iVerify tool, any effort to label speech as "mal-, mis-, or disinformation," and voluntary contributions to the UN or other international groups supporting such labeling efforts. The bill applies directly to federal agencies like the Department of State, restricting how they use taxpayer money for these purposes. Any funds withheld under this law must be deposited into the Treasury general fund and not repaid to the UN. The bill focuses solely on restricting federal spending, not on regulating speech or censorship.

Maddy summaryHR 5455, the Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2023, allows automakers to install pulsating light systems as rear-end collision avoidance technology on new vehicles. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue new regulations within 180 days updating Federal Safety Standard 108 to include performance-based rules for these systems. Specifically, it defines a "pulsating light system" as a high-mounted brake light that flashes rapidly (up to 4 times for no more than 1.2 seconds) before switching to steady light, with a 5-second lockout period after braking stops. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers who must comply with the updated safety standards for brake lights.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the HHS Secretary to publish all HHS-held information about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic within 90 days of enactment, including research records, communications with Chinese institutions, and data from Wuhan. Specific categories include unpublished reports (like the 2019 CDC workshop), grant applications, EcoHealth Alliance records, and records of researchers in China. HHS may withhold classified, personally identifiable, or sensitive commercial information. Failure to comply results in daily $1 million rescissions from HHS funds, deposited to reduce the national debt.

Maddy summaryHR 5508, the "Respect for the Second Amendment Act," prohibits state and local governments from enforcing laws that restrict firearm ownership or use unless those laws align with the U.S. historical tradition of firearm regulation. The bill directly affects state and local laws governing gun possession, carrying, and ownership, requiring courts to block any regulation that fails this historical test. Key mechanisms include allowing the Attorney General or individuals harmed by such laws to sue for injunctions, with prevailing plaintiffs entitled to legal fees. The bill does not preempt stronger state gun rights protections but focuses on challenging state laws deemed inconsistent with the Second Amendment as interpreted by Supreme Court rulings like *Heller* and *Bruen*.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Parents Act (HR 5327) requires public K-12 schools to obtain parental consent before implementing certain policies or teaching specific content. It prohibits schools from requiring masks, vaccines, or medical screenings for in-person attendance without parental approval, banning instruction on concepts like systemic racism or gender theory, and mandating biological-sex-based facilities (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms). The bill also restricts schools from compelling students to use specific pronouns without parental consent or exposing students to "radical gender theory" or "sexually explicit content." Parents can sue schools for violations within 30 days, seeking injunctions or damages, while schools must protect student privacy under FERPA.

Defending Students' Civil Rights Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federally funded programs or activities from being premised on certain principles relating to race or sex. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for programs or activities that are premised on principles such as that (1) one race or sex is inherently superior to another, (2) the United States is fundamentally racist or sexist, and (3) an individual bears responsibility for the past actions of others of the same race or sex. The bill includes the use of these principles as a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.

Maddy summaryHR 5326, the Empowering Local Curriculum Act, prohibits federally funded schools from being required to teach or promote specific concepts related to race and gender. It explicitly blocks the mandatory teaching of ideas such as the U.S. being "fundamentally racist," individuals being inherently racist based on race, or meritocracy being racist. The bill applies to institutions receiving federal funds under the Higher Education Act (for colleges) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (for K-12 schools). It does not ban these topics but prevents federal requirements from mandating their inclusion in curricula.

Maddy summaryHR 5319, the Ban Offshore Abortion Tourism Act, prohibits performing abortions that result in fetal death within U.S. maritime jurisdiction (e.g., international waters under U.S. authority). It targets abortion providers in these zones, with exceptions for life-threatening medical conditions, pregnancies from rape (requiring 48 hours of counseling or treatment first), or pregnancies from rape/incest involving minors (requiring prior reporting to authorities). The bill allows civil lawsuits against providers for violations, awarding triple damages, medical costs, and attorney fees, but explicitly protects women from prosecution or financial liability. It does not restrict abortion access in foreign countries or U.S. territorial waters.

Maddy summaryHR 5285, the Staff Safety Act, amends federal law to clarify that congressional staff (including Members' employees and committee staff) are exempt from Capitol Grounds firearm regulations under the same constitutional protections as Members of Congress. The bill requires the Capitol Police Board to revise its regulations within 90 days to align with this exemption, removing current restrictions preventing staff from carrying firearms on Capitol grounds. This directly affects congressional staff who are currently barred from carrying firearms under existing Capitol Police regulations. The bill bases its changes on Supreme Court rulings (Heller and Bruen) that affirm the Second Amendment applies to public carry outside the home. It focuses on legal clarification, not new safety measures or policy changes for staff.