Rep. John H. Rutherford

Maddy summaryHJRES 131 seeks congressional disapproval of an EPA rule establishing emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles model years 2027 and later. If passed, this resolution would block the EPA's rule from taking effect, preventing automakers from having to comply with those specific pollution requirements. The bill targets the EPA's April 18, 2024, rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 27842). This is a procedural disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 8231, the James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to actor James Earl Jones in recognition of his distinguished career in theater and film, and his role in advancing inclusion and equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the entertainment industry. The Treasury will strike the medal with an image and inscription of Jones, and may produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint's public enterprise fund. This bill serves as a ceremonial honor with no new legal requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act in federal education programs. It clarifies that discrimination against Jewish individuals based on actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics may violate Title VI protections, requiring agencies to consider antisemitism intent during investigations. The law affects schools and universities receiving federal funds by guiding how they handle discrimination complaints related to antisemitism. It does not create new legal standards or expand the Department of Education's authority, as explicitly stated in the bill.

Maddy summaryHJRES 134 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Labor rule titled "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment." The bill targets the specific rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 33898, April 29, 2024) that aimed to strengthen worker protections for temporary agricultural employees. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preventing the Department of Labor's new regulations from being implemented. The measure directly affects the rule's implementation, not the workers or employers it was designed to protect.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Labor rule designed to improve protections for temporary agricultural workers. It invokes a specific federal process under Title 5 to block the rule from taking effect, preventing the proposed changes from being implemented. The rule, published April 29, 2024, would have affected temporary farmworkers’ rights and working conditions. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, meaning the Department of Labor’s proposed protections would not be enforced.

Maddy summaryHR 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023, prevents federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or tackle on public lands and waters managed for hunting or fishing, except in specific cases. The bill allows exceptions only if a state wildlife department confirms lead use is harming local wildlife, and the federal action aligns with state law or state agency approval. It directly affects hunters and anglers using federal lands and waters, ensuring they can continue using lead products unless a state verifies a local wildlife issue requiring a ban. The law requires federal agencies to justify any exception with state data and policy compliance in official notices.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates legal definitions in customs law to replace the outdated "four leagues" standard with current international law boundaries. It clarifies that U.S. customs enforcement applies to waters within the U.S. territorial sea (up to 12 nautical miles, as defined in Presidential Proclamation 5928) and contiguous zone (up to 24 nautical miles, as defined in Proclamation 7219). The change directly affects U.S. Customs and Border Protection's maritime enforcement operations but does not alter the actual geographic scope of enforcement areas. The bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act to align their language with existing international law standards.

Maddy summaryHRES 1170 prohibits U.S. House Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners from bringing or displaying any foreign nation's flag on the House floor during sessions, except for lapel pins or flags shown during speeches under House rules. The resolution applies to all flag sizes and is enforced by the House Sergeant-at-Arms. It directly affects House members' conduct during floor proceedings but allows limited exceptions for personal accessories and official speeches. This is a procedural rule change, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHR 8114 blocks the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from finalizing a proposed rule that would have required states to spend at least 80% of Medicaid funds for home and community-based care services (like homemaker, home health aide, and personal care) on direct care worker wages. The bill directly affects Medicaid programs and the states administering them, preventing them from being required to meet this specific spending threshold. It prohibits the finalization, implementation, or enforcement of this rule or any substantially similar rule that would mandate a minimum percentage of payments for these services go toward worker compensation. This is a concrete policy change that maintains current Medicaid funding flexibility for states regarding home care worker wages.

Maddy summaryHR 8101, the Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of 2024, prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from revoking approval of three specific state environmental programs without explicit congressional authorization. The bill directly affects Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida, which operate state-level permit systems for dredged or fill material under the Clean Water Act. It requires that any EPA withdrawal of approval for these programs must be authorized by a new Act of Congress, rather than through agency action alone. The bill also clarifies that the EPA's approval of these state programs does not count as a federal rule or regulation. This ensures the continued operation of these state programs unless Congress passes a new law to change them.