Rep. Debbie Lesko

Maddy summaryHRES 1031 is a non-binding House resolution declaring the U.S. southern border situation an "invasion," citing three specific claims: over 8 million migrant crossings since 2021, a 1,000% rise in watchlist entries, and drug-related deaths. It does not create new laws or affect individuals, as resolutions like this only express legislative sentiment. The bill formally states the House's viewpoint through these cited statistics without proposing policy changes. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal force or impact on border policy.

Maddy summaryThe Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023 amends the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act to expand sanctions against individuals and entities supporting the Assad regime in Syria. It targets those who provide financial or material support to the regime, divert humanitarian aid, seize property, or engage with Syria Arab Airlines or Cham Wings. The bill prohibits U.S. officials from recognizing or normalizing relations with the Assad regime and requires the administration to develop a strategy to counter other countries' engagement with Syria. It also mandates annual reports on diplomatic meetings with Syria, transactions involving Syria, and how the Assad regime manipulates UN operations in Syria.

Maddy summaryHR 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically identify firearms retailers as different from general stores or sporting goods retailers. This directly affects firearms retailers and payment networks by preventing them from using business classification codes that could flag firearm sales. The bill establishes an enforcement process where the Attorney General investigates complaints, issues remediation notices, and can seek court injunctions for non-compliance, while preempting state or local laws on this issue. It does not create private lawsuits for individuals.

Maddy summaryHRES 1024 is a symbolic resolution recognizing World Thinking Day (observed February 22) as an annual event where Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide, including U.S. members of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), celebrate international friendship and advocate for issues affecting girls. It specifically highlights the 2024 theme focused on environmental stewardship and global poverty, noting that over 9 million girls in 153 countries participate annually. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely affirms the significance of this global observance for girls' leadership and advocacy.

Maddy summaryHR 7176, the "Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024," streamlines approval processes for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. It grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) exclusive authority to approve or deny LNG export facility projects, requiring FERC to deem such exports "consistent with the public interest" unless specific legal exceptions apply. The bill explicitly preserves the President’s authority to block LNG exports under sanctions laws targeting countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. This directly affects LNG companies seeking export permits and FERC’s regulatory role, without altering existing environmental or safety regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 7239, the Drug-Free Social Media and Digital Communities Act of 2024, makes it a federal crime to distribute controlled substances using social media or online platforms. It doubles standard penalties for first offenses, including imprisonment terms, fines, and supervised release, with a minimum 1-year sentence (except for small marijuana amounts), and triples penalties for repeat offenses with a minimum 3-year sentence. The law specifically targets "interactive computer services" like social media platforms, internet access providers, and educational institution services. It directly affects individuals selling drugs online and requires platforms enabling such activity to face stricter legal consequences under federal drug laws.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that former President Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against, nor give aid or comfort to the enemies of, the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $15 billion in supplemental funding for U.S. security assistance to Israel following attacks in Israel. It includes specific allocations such as $5.2 billion for Israel's Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems, as well as funds for military personnel, operations, and equipment across all branches of the military. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to submit regular reports to Congress detailing security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funding as "emergency requirements" under federal law. This funding directly supports U.S. security assistance programs with Israel to respond to regional security threats.

Maddy summaryThis resolution disapproves a Department of Energy rule that would have set new energy efficiency standards for consumer furnaces. The rule, published in the Federal Register (88 Fed. Reg. 87502), aimed to require furnace manufacturers to produce models meeting higher energy conservation levels. If enacted, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. As a result, current energy efficiency standards for furnaces would remain unchanged, and manufacturers would not face the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHJRES 107 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule published on January 22, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 4128). The resolution aims to disapprove the FCC's rule implementing digital discrimination protections under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which would have required internet providers to prevent discriminatory practices. If passed, this resolution would nullify the FCC rule, preventing it from taking effect under the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). The bill directly affects the FCC's regulatory authority over digital discrimination enforcement in broadband services.