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.
Sponsored bills
National AI Commission Act This bill establishes a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Commission in the legislative branch. The purpose of the commission is to support the role of the United States in mitigating the risks of AI through appropriate regulation while also supporting U.S. innovation and opportunities with respect to AI. The commission must be bipartisan, with an equal number of members appointed by the Democratic and Republican parties. Members must have a background in (1) computer science or other technical experience in AI, (2) civil society, (3) industry and workforce, or (4) government. The commission must review the federal government's current approach to AI oversight and regulation and recommend a comprehensive, binding regulatory framework in its final report.
Maddy summaryHR 288, the Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023, amends federal law to change how courts review agency actions. It requires federal courts to decide de novo (anew) all legal questions - including interpretations of laws and the Constitution - when reviewing agency decisions, rather than deferring to agency interpretations. This applies to all judicial reviews of agency actions under existing law, unless a specific law explicitly exempts such cases. The bill directly affects federal courts, agencies, and parties involved in litigation over agency rules or enforcement. It aims to shift interpretive authority from agencies to courts in administrative law cases.
Maddy summaryHR 4151 requires taxpayers claiming renewable energy tax credits for wind turbines to have a specific contract with landowners if the land isn't owned by the taxpayer. The bill mandates that such contracts must obligate the taxpayer to remove the wind facility and associated equipment after its useful life ends. This rule applies to facilities placed in service after the law's enactment and directly affects businesses or developers using leased land for wind projects seeking the tax credit. The change modifies the Internal Revenue Code to make this removal agreement a prerequisite for claiming the credit.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution (HRES 377) calls for the immediate release of Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen and Wall Street Journal reporter wrongfully detained by Russia since March 2023. It urges the U.S. government to press Russia for his release, demands consular access for him, and condemns Russia's detention of journalists. The resolution specifically references Gershkovich’s arrest on espionage charges without public evidence, aligning with Secretary Blinken’s designation of his detention as wrongful. It also extends similar calls for the release of other detained Americans, including Paul Whelan.
Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act This bill designates Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. (A country with this designation is subject to certain restrictions, including a ban on receiving U.S. defense exports and limits on receiving U.S. foreign assistance.)
Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HCONRES 40) expresses congressional support for local law enforcement officers and condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish police departments. It does not create new laws or affect budgets; instead, it formally recognizes officers' work and opposes rhetoric advocating for reduced police funding. The resolution cites 2020 crime statistics and claims about defunding leading to increased violence as context for its stance. It directly addresses public discourse and congressional position, not policy implementation.
Maddy summaryHR 3497, the Uranium Miners and Workers Act of 2023, expands eligibility for compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include uranium miners, millers, ore transporters, and core drillers who worked in specified states between 1942 and 1978 and later developed certain cancers or kidney diseases. The bill redirects $475 million from unobligated coronavirus relief funds (from acts like the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan) to the RECA trust fund to pay claims. It also extends the RECA program's funding period by 4 years and adjusts the deadline for submitting claims to 4 years after the bill's enactment. This law directly affects former uranium industry workers who developed radiation-related illnesses.
Maddy summaryHR 3492, the Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act, prohibits federal agencies from funding or supporting state databases that track lawfully owned firearms or their owners. This directly affects states maintaining such databases, requiring them to cover costs themselves if they choose to keep these systems operational. The bill allows federal funding for databases tracking lost or stolen firearms, as specified in the exception. The key policy change is blocking federal financial support for databases compiling information on legal gun ownership, without banning the databases outright.
Maddy summaryThe Stop TSP ESG Act (HR 3406) requires the Thrift Savings Fund (TSP) to delegate voting rights on securities to a qualified professional asset manager instead of its governing board. This amendment to Section 8438(f) of Title 5, U.S. Code, directly affects the TSP, which manages retirement savings for federal employees. The key mechanism mandates that voting on securities must be handled by an external professional manager, removing direct TSP Board control over investment decisions. The bill's title indicates it aims to prevent the TSP from incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors into its investment strategy.