Rep. W. Gregory Steube

Maddy summaryHR 2620, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023, increases penalties for crimes targeting firearms licensees. It amends Section 924 of Title 18 to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 3 years for burglaries or 5 years for robberies committed at the business premises of licensed firearms dealers, manufacturers, or importers. The bill specifically targets violations of Section 922(u), which prohibits unauthorized access to these premises, and adds "attempts to do so" to the penalties. This directly affects licensed firearms businesses by strengthening legal protections against theft or violence at their locations. The law creates clearer, harsher consequences for crimes committed during burglaries or robberies at these specific business sites.

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 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 It also amends related sections of Title 18 (U.S. Code) to remove references to the repealed law and adjust section numbering.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 2539 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, which incentivizes private investment in low-income communities. The bill directly affects community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and investors who fund projects in designated low-income areas by ensuring the credit remains available beyond 2025. Key provisions include automatically adjusting the credit amount annually for inflation starting in 2024 and clarifying that the credit can be used to offset alternative minimum tax liability. This maintains the program’s effectiveness in channeling capital to underserved neighborhoods without changing eligibility or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHR 1465, "Violet’s Law," requires federal research facilities to establish standards for placing eligible animals (dogs, cats, primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits) no longer needed for research with animal rescue organizations, sanctuaries, shelters, or individuals. Federal departments and agencies operating such facilities must create these placement standards within one year of the law's enactment. The law mandates that animals must be vet-certified as healthy (free of infectious disease or physical issues) before placement and prohibits facilities from using animals for commercial trade, breeding, or public exhibitions. This policy directly affects federal research facilities and aims to provide permanent homes for research animals through defined, safe pathways.

Maddy summaryHR 1768, the NIH Reform Act, reorganizes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by splitting the existing "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases" into three distinct institutes: the National Institute of Allergic Diseases, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the National Institute of Immunologic Diseases. The bill updates titles, responsibilities, and leadership structures in the Public Health Service Act, including requiring presidential appointments with Senate confirmation for directors of the new institutes, each serving 5-year terms (with one possible reappointment). It mandates a transition period where the NIH Director oversees the new institutes until their directors are appointed, and updates all references to the former institute in federal law. This change directly affects NIH’s internal structure, leadership appointments, and administrative documentation, without altering research funding or policy priorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2451 (Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023), prevents colleges receiving federal funds from punishing students or single-sex social organizations (like fraternities/sororities) solely because of their single-sex membership policies. It prohibits actions such as denying housing, scholarships, or leadership roles, or forcing students to waive these protections as a condition of enrollment. The law does not require colleges to recognize such groups, nor does it block disciplinary action for misconduct unrelated to membership (e.g., academic issues). It directly affects students in single-sex organizations and institutions participating in federal student aid programs under Title IV.

Covenant School Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to Officer Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Englebert of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in recognition of their exceptional bravery and valor in confronting an active shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHRES 158 is a resolution requesting the President and directing the Secretaries of Defense and State to provide the House of Representatives with all documents related to U.S. congressionally appropriated funds sent to Ukraine between January 20, 2021, and February 24, 2023. It requires the transmission of communications (including meeting notes, emails, and recordings), financial records, and expenditure details within 14 days of the resolution's adoption. This procedural resolution seeks transparency about how aid was administered, without altering funding or policy.