Rep. Debbie Lesko

Maddy summaryThis resolution aims to block a rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that sets new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars, light trucks (starting in 2027), and heavy-duty pickup trucks/vans (starting in 2030). If passed, it would prevent this specific rule from taking effect by disapproving it under a congressional review process. The rule directly affects vehicle manufacturers by requiring them to meet these updated fuel economy targets for future model years. This is a procedural resolution, not a new law, focused solely on halting the implementation of the existing NHTSA rule.

Maddy summaryHR 9274, the SHAWL Act, establishes two new Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum. It authorizes both museums to be located within the National Mall’s "Reserve" area, overriding prior restrictions, and requires federal agencies managing potential sites to transfer jurisdiction to the Smithsonian after notifying congressional committees. The bill mandates that both museums accurately represent diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints within Latino and women’s communities through exhibits and programs, requiring input from a broad range of community experts. It also requires the Smithsonian to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing compliance with these representation requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "sex," "male," and "female" in federal law based on biological characteristics present at birth, specifically referencing reproductive anatomy (e.g., sperm production for males, egg production for females). It mandates that all federal agencies, courts, and laws interpret these terms strictly according to this biological definition, excluding self-identification or gender identity. The bill directly affects how federal programs, regulations, and legal decisions interpret terms like "sex," "gender," and "gender identity" in all federal contexts. Key provisions clarify that "gender" refers only to biological sex differences and explicitly states that gender identity does not override these definitions.

Maddy summaryThe Respect State Housing Laws Act amends the CARES Act by removing subsection (c) of Section 4024, which governed notice requirements for housing assistance programs. This change eliminates a specific federal notice provision that applied to tenants and landlords receiving CARES Act housing aid. The bill directly affects the administrative process for housing assistance under the CARES Act, streamlining or removing a requirement for notice delivery. It modifies an existing provision without creating new policy or altering broader housing protections.

Maddy summaryHJRES 165 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule issued in April 2024 that updated protections against sex discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. The resolution aims to disapprove this specific rule (published as 89 Fed. Reg. 33474), which would have required schools to address sex-based discrimination in educational programs. If passed, the rule would no longer be in effect, meaning schools would not need to comply with its requirements. This resolution directly affects all schools and educational programs receiving federal financial assistance, as it targets the implementation of the new nondiscrimination standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill resolves longstanding water rights claims for the Yavapai-Apache Nation in the Verde River Watershed and Colorado River, confirming their rights to water for reservation lands. It authorizes construction of the Tú ńlį́į́níchoh Water Infrastructure Project, including a pipeline from C.C. Cragin Dam to deliver water and a drinking water system for the reservation. The bill establishes funds totaling $731 million for infrastructure construction and $58 million for water projects, plus additional funds for wastewater, operations, and watershed restoration. It also includes provisions to protect Verde River flows and ensures water rights are held in trust for the Nation, while releasing certain claims against the state and other parties.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act (HR 8281) requires U.S. citizens to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like passports, REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs, or birth certificates, and mandates that states verify citizenship using information from government agencies like DHS and Social Security. States must establish processes for voters without required documentation to provide an attestation under penalty of perjury. The law also requires states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls when verified evidence shows they're not citizens. This bill directly affects all applicants registering to vote in federal elections and state election officials who must implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 4581, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024, amends Title V of the Social Security Act to explicitly allow federal funds to support stillbirth prevention efforts. The bill directs states receiving Title V maternal and child health funds to use these resources for evidence-based programs and research aimed at reducing stillbirths, including tracking fetal movements, screening for growth issues, smoking cessation, and community support. It directly affects state maternal health programs by clarifying that existing funding can now cover specific stillbirth prevention activities previously not explicitly permitted. The law changes how Title V funds may be spent, adding clear provisions for research and programs targeting stillbirth reduction. This is a policy change that updates funding guidelines without creating new programs or mandates.

Universal Savings Account Act of 2024 This bill creates a new tax-exempt savings account to be known as a Universal Savings Account (USA). The bill allows eligible taxpayers to open an account and contribute up to $10,000 (adjusted for inflation) to an account each year. Contributions must be in cash and the allowable amount of contributions is subject to a phaseout based upon the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income.  Distributions from a USA are excludible from gross income, for income tax purposes, and may be transferred to a taxpayer's spouse or child upon the death of the taxpayer.

Maddy summaryThe TAKE IT DOWN Act (HR 8989) creates new federal criminal penalties for publishing nonconsensual intimate images or deepfakes without consent, directly affecting platforms hosting user-generated content and individuals who share such material. It defines "deepfake" as AI-generated intimate content falsely depicting someone, and prohibits publishing these without consent - especially when the victim expected privacy - imposing fines or up to 3 years in prison for offenses involving minors. The bill also requires "covered platforms" (like social media sites) to establish a 48-hour removal process for reported nonconsensual content and shields platforms from liability when removing content in good faith. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these provisions as unfair or deceptive practices.