Rep. Doug LaMalfa

Maddy summaryThis bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act. It ends the executive branch's authority to use emergency powers related to that specific declaration. The resolution passed both chambers in early 2023 and took effect April 10, 2023, without creating new policies or affecting specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 2554) formally designates specific roads near three California military installations as "defense access roads" under federal law. It requires the Secretary of Defense to certify that roads like Chuck Yeager Road (Beale AFB), Air Base Parkway (Travis AFB), and Lassen County Route A25 (Sierra Army Depot) are important for national defense. These roads will be officially recognized under the Defense Access Roads project in Title 10, U.S. Code. The bill has no funding or regulatory impact - it is purely procedural, updating the list of roads eligible for defense access improvements.

Maddy summaryHR 2380, the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2023, allows state and federal correctional facilities (like prisons and jails) to operate cellphone jamming systems to block wireless signals from contraband devices or communications involving individuals held in the facility. The bill restricts the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from blocking such jamming systems, but requires facilities to limit jamming only to housing areas, have state facilities cover all costs, and consult with local law enforcement before implementation. It defines "jamming systems" broadly to include all necessary equipment and installation details. This bill directly affects correctional facilities seeking to prevent cell phone use by inmates, particularly for security purposes related to contraband. The law does not create new restrictions on cellphone use but changes how facilities can deploy jamming technology.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Students Act (HR 2502) repeals the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, which had prohibited possessing firearms in federally designated school zones under federal law. It also amends related sections of Title 18 (U.S. Code) to remove references to the repealed law and adjust section numbering. This bill does not establish a new federal rule for school zones; it solely eliminates the existing federal prohibition on firearms in school zones. The repeal means the federal government would no longer enforce this specific ban, though state laws may continue to regulate firearms in schools.

Maddy summaryHR 1362, the Saving America’s Energy Future Act, prohibits federal agencies from banning new oil and gas leasing or drilling permits on federal lands. It directly prevents the Secretaries of Agriculture (for National Forest System lands) and Interior (for other public lands) from implementing moratoriums on these activities. The bill’s key mechanism is a clear statutory ban requiring agencies to continue processing new leases and permits without delay. This policy change affects oil and gas companies seeking access to federal land resources by ensuring leasing processes remain active. The bill does not create new programs or alter environmental standards, only blocking a specific regulatory action.

Maddy summaryHR 1290 amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to explicitly allow agricultural producers to use storage facility loan program funds for constructing or upgrading propane storage facilities. This change directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that use propane primarily for farming operations, as defined by federal regulations. The bill adds a specific eligibility category to the existing loan program, clarifying that propane storage for agricultural production qualifies under the same terms as other eligible uses. This policy change updates the program’s scope without altering funding levels or creating new requirements.

Protect American Energy From China Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being used for implementing or administering the memorandum of understanding reached in 2011 between the Department of Energy and the Chinese Academy of Sciences on facilitating cooperation in nuclear energy science and technology.

Maddy summaryHR 2427, the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award a gold medal to honor Hmong veterans who served with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike the medal and present it to the Smithsonian Institution for display, recognizing their combat service, heavy casualties, and displacement after the war. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs. This procedural bill commemorates the Hmong people's military contributions and their refugee resettlement in the U.S., affecting the Hmong community as a whole.

Maddy summaryHR 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, amends federal law to strengthen penalties for individuals or organizations charging veterans unauthorized fees when helping with VA benefit claims. It directly affects veterans seeking assistance with VA claims and the representatives (like advocates or attorneys) who might charge them fees. The bill adds a new provision making it a violation to solicit, charge, or receive any fee for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA claims, punishable by fines under Title 18. This change specifically targets unauthorized fee-charging while excluding fees covered under existing exceptions in sections 5904 or 1984 of the law.

This resolution condemns Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children and the relocation of those children to reeducation camps. The resolution also rebukes nations that provide support to Russia's kidnapping enterprise, condemns forced adoptions of Ukrainian children by Russian citizens, and implores Russia to work with international organizations to return Ukrainian children to their home country.