Rep. Andy Biggs

Gold Standard Restoration Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to define the Federal Reserve note dollar in terms of a fixed weight of gold, based on that day's closing market price of gold. Federal Reserve Banks must exchange Federal Reserve notes with gold at this price and create processes to facilitate exchanges between banks and the public. If a Federal Reserve Bank does not do this, Treasury must make any exchange and place a corresponding lien on the assets of that bank. In addition, Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve must report on U.S. gold holdings.

Protection of Children Act of 2023 This bill modifies the treatment of unaccompanied alien children and tightens eligibility requirements for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas (immigrant visas for non-U.S. nationals under 21 years of age in the United States who have been abused or abandoned by a parent). Current law authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove an unaccompanied alien child to their country of nationality or last habitual residence if that country is next to the United States. This section (1) eliminates the requirement that the country is next to the United States; and (2) requires the child's removal, whereas currently removal is authorized. This section also establishes and modifies deadlines for the handling of unaccompanied alien children. For example, if the child is a victim of severe human trafficking, the child must have a hearing before an immigration judge within 14 days of screening as part of removal proceedings. Furthermore, before DHS places an unaccompanied alien child with an individual, the Department of Health and Human Services must provide DHS with certain information about the individual, including social security number and immigration status. DHS must initiate removal proceedings if the individual is unlawfully present. This bill establishes that an individual does not qualify for a Special Immigrant Juvenile visa if reunification is possible with any parent or legal guardian. Currently, an individual may qualify if the individual cannot reunite with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment (i.e., an individual may qualify even if reunification with one parent is possible).

Visa Overstays Penalties Act This bill increases the civil penalties for unlawful entry into the United States and establishes criminal penalties for overstaying a visa. A non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) apprehended while unlawfully entering the United States shall be subject to a fine of at least $500 and up to $1,000 (currently at least $50 and up to $250). If an individual overstays a visa (or otherwise fails to comply with the conditions of a visa) for 10 days or more, on first offense the individual shall be subject to fines or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. For subsequent violations, the individual shall be subject to fines or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

Maddy summaryHR 1911 sets a spending limit of $23,332,000 for "Joint Items" and the Capitol Visitors Center during fiscal year 2024. This bill directly affects funding allocations for these specific Capitol-related expenses by restricting the total amount that can be spent. The provision applies to all funds authorized for these purposes during FY2024, preventing any increase above the specified cap. It does not alter the function or services provided by the Capitol Visitors Center or the nature of "Joint Items."

Maddy summaryHR 1910 sets a spending limit of $14,759,000 for federal funding designated for "Joint Items" (shared agency projects) and the U.S. Botanic Garden during fiscal year 2024. This bill directly restricts how much money federal agencies can spend on these specific programs, preventing funds from exceeding the set cap. The key provision is a hard budget ceiling that applies to all available funds for these two categories in FY2024. It does not change program requirements or create new policies, only limiting the financial authorization.

Maddy summaryHR 1909 sets a maximum funding limit of $64,544,000 for "Joint Items, Library Buildings and Grounds" in the federal budget for fiscal year 2024. This bill directly affects how much money Congress can allocate to shared congressional facilities (like committee rooms) and library-related infrastructure. It requires that no funds exceeding this specific amount be used for these purposes, overriding any other funding provisions that might allow higher spending. The bill is purely procedural, establishing a spending cap without creating new policies or affecting other government programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a spending limit of $114,050,000 for the Capitol Power Plant's "Joint Items" funding in fiscal year 2024. It directly affects the Capitol Power Plant's operational budget by restricting how much federal money can be allocated to its maintenance and operations. The provision overrides other laws to ensure these specific funds do not exceed the stated cap during FY2024. This is a straightforward budgetary limitation with no additional policy provisions or broader impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a spending limit of $81,977,000 for Senate office building maintenance and operations ("Joint Items") during fiscal year 2024. It directly affects the Senate's budget allocation for its physical facilities by restricting available funds to this specific amount. The provision applies to all Senate office building expenses covered under "Joint Items" for FY2024, preventing the use of additional funds beyond the set cap. As a procedural budget measure, it does not change public policy or affect constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 1906 sets a $10 million funding cap for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust during fiscal year 2024. This bill directly limits the amount of money available for the Trust's operations, overriding any other funding provisions that might otherwise allow higher spending. The Trust specifically supports revitalization efforts for historic buildings within the U.S. House of Representatives. This is a procedural spending restriction with no broader policy changes or affected constituents beyond the Trust's designated purpose.

Maddy summaryHR 1905 sets a spending cap of $187,098,000 for two specific House budget items in fiscal year 2024: Joint Items (shared legislative expenses) and House Office Buildings. This bill directly limits how much money can be spent on these operational costs, overriding other funding rules that might allow higher spending. The cap applies to all funds designated for these purposes during the 2024 fiscal year. This is a procedural budget measure affecting only House operational spending, with no direct impact on public policy or services.