Rep. Debbie Lesko

Maddy summaryHJRES 45 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific Department of Education rule about federal student loans. It seeks to block the rule implementing "One-Time Federal Student Loan Debt Relief" (including modifications to Perkins, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs) by invoking the Congressional Review Act. If passed, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing the Department of Education from using it to modify or waive student loan obligations. The bill directly affects borrowers who might have qualified for debt relief under the targeted rule.

Maddy summaryHR 4245, the "Enforce the Caps Act," sets specific annual spending limits for discretionary federal programs from fiscal years 2026 through 2029. It establishes new budget authority caps at $1.622 trillion for 2026, increasing to $1.671 trillion for 2029. The bill directly affects how Congress allocates funds for non-mandatory programs like education, transportation, and defense by legally binding these spending levels. This is a procedural adjustment to existing budget control law, not a new policy affecting specific groups or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHR 277 would require Congress to approve major federal regulations before they take effect. Major rules are defined as those with significant economic impact ($100 million+ annually), major cost increases for consumers or industries, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, or innovation. Agencies must submit detailed information about these rules to Congress, including cost-benefit analyses, before they can take effect. Congress would have 70 session days to approve the rule with a joint resolution; if they don't act within that timeframe, the rule would not take effect. This would increase congressional oversight of federal regulations and require more detailed information about proposed rules before they become law.

Maddy summaryHJRES 69 is a resolution seeking to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule published on June 5, 2023, which established a "Federal Good Neighbor Plan" for the 2015 ozone air quality standards. The rule aimed to address ozone pollution crossing state lines, particularly affecting southeastern states and industries subject to the 2015 ozone standards. This resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from being enforced. If enacted, it would directly stop the EPA from implementing this specific plan, impacting states and businesses that would have had to comply with the rule.

Foreign Adversary Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2023  This bill prohibits the use of federal funds by foreign adversaries for gain-of-function research involving pathogens that could cause a pandemic. ( Gain-of-function research is defined as research that enhances the pathogenicity or transmissibility of a pathogen in mammals.)  Specifically, the bill prohibits federal funds from being used to support gain-of-function research involving potential pandemic pathogens by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or any other designated foreign adversary. Entities that violate the bill's requirements may not receive any funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for three years and, for the following three years, may not receive any additional HHS funds unless they agree to give advance notice about how they intend to use the funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits providing, facilitating, or possessing wireless devices (like cell phones) in U.S. detention facilities (e.g., prisons, jails) if such actions violate existing federal or state laws. It imposes civil fines up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total) or criminal fines up to $50,000 for intentional violations. The law explicitly excludes lawful law enforcement activities and state enforcement powers, and defines "detention facility" broadly to include all correctional and penal institutions. It applies to conduct occurring after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from using federal funds to ban gas stoves or impose safety rules that would either prohibit their sale/use or substantially increase their average price (defined as exceeding typical homeowner spending on cooking appliances). It directly affects the CPSC, blocking its ability to regulate gas stoves under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The key mechanism is a funding restriction preventing the CPSC from taking specific regulatory actions on gas stoves. This bill does not change existing stove safety standards but limits future CPSC actions that could impact gas stove availability or cost.

Maddy summaryHR 1640, the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, prevents the Department of Energy from implementing energy efficiency standards for gas stoves that would make them unavailable in the U.S. market. It amends federal law to require that any new standard for gas stoves must not result in the unavailability of gas stove types, directly affecting gas stove manufacturers and consumers who rely on these appliances. The bill specifically blocks the implementation of the 2023 proposed rule (Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products) and any similar rule. This is a policy change focused on maintaining the availability of gas stoves by altering the criteria for energy standard approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical providers to provide written parental notification (delivered personally or via certified mail) for abortions performed on unemancipated minors under 18, with a 96-hour waiting period after notification. Parents (including legal guardians) may seek a federal court injunction to block an abortion, which must be granted temporarily until the court rules. Exceptions exist for medical emergencies where immediate treatment is needed to prevent the minor’s death, with documentation required in medical records. Violations carry fines up to $100,000 or one year in prison per offense. The law does not override stricter state parental notification requirements.

This bill expands the definition of critical mineral under the Energy Act of 2020 to include copper. Thus, this bill requires the Department of Energy and other agencies to conduct a variety of efforts to ensure a secure and reliable supply chain of copper.