Rep. Rick W. Allen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to revert mortgage guarantee fees for single-family homes to the rates in effect before May 1, 2023, effectively undoing a 2023 fee increase. It prohibits fees based on a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio and restricts future fee adjustments without following standard federal rulemaking procedures. The bill directly affects mortgage borrowers (particularly middle-class homeowners) and lenders who pay these fees, as it changes how mortgage finance agencies charge for loan guarantees. A GAO study will also examine the FHFA’s previous fee changes and their economic impact, with a report due within 14 months.

Maddy summaryHR 4320, the Truth in Employment Act of 2023, amends federal labor law to allow employers to refuse hiring individuals who are union employees or agents seeking employment primarily to organize workers or disrupt the workplace ("salting"). It directly affects nonunion employers and union organizers, by adding a provision to the National Labor Relations Act that prohibits labeling such hiring decisions as unfair labor practices. The key mechanism lets employers screen out applicants whose primary purpose for seeking a job is to organize the employer’s workforce or cause economic harm. The bill aims to protect employers from what it describes as aggressive union tactics that threaten workplace stability and balance rights between employers and labor organizations.

Maddy summaryHJRES 44 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a 2021 rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The rule classified firearms with stabilizing braces as "short-barreled rifles," which would have required additional licensing and regulation. This resolution uses a specific legal process (under Title 5, U.S. Code) to formally disapprove the ATF rule, meaning the rule would no longer be in effect. It directly affects firearm owners, manufacturers, and dealers who would have been subject to the rule’s requirements.

Maddy summaryHJRES 45 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific Department of Education rule about federal student loans. It seeks to block the rule implementing "One-Time Federal Student Loan Debt Relief" (including modifications to Perkins, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs) by invoking the Congressional Review Act. If passed, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing the Department of Education from using it to modify or waive student loan obligations. The bill directly affects borrowers who might have qualified for debt relief under the targeted rule.

Maddy summaryHR 4237, the Ensuring Sound Guidance Act, requires investment advisors and retirement plan fiduciaries to prioritize financial factors (like investment returns and costs) when making decisions for clients or plan participants. It mandates that non-financial factors (such as environmental or social goals) can only be considered if the client provides written consent, and advisors must then disclose the expected and actual financial impact over a three-year period. The bill amends the Investment Advisers Act and ERISA to enforce this standard, with changes taking effect 12 months after enactment. Additional provisions direct studies on state pension plans, climate disclosures in municipal bonds, and rules preventing payments to officials for government business.

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.

Maddy summaryHJRES 69 is a resolution seeking to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule published on June 5, 2023, which established a "Federal Good Neighbor Plan" for the 2015 ozone air quality standards. The rule aimed to address ozone pollution crossing state lines, particularly affecting southeastern states and industries subject to the 2015 ozone standards. This resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from being enforced. If enacted, it would directly stop the EPA from implementing this specific plan, impacting states and businesses that would have had to comply with the rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid programs' requirement to monitor antipsychotic medication use to cover all Medicaid beneficiaries, not just children. It removes age restrictions by adding seniors (65+), individuals receiving home and community-based services, and those in institutional care (like nursing homes) to the monitoring scope, effective January 1, 2024. States will now need to track antipsychotic use for these new groups under existing Medicaid rules. The change directly affects all Medicaid enrollees, including previously excluded adults and seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits providing, facilitating, or possessing wireless devices (like cell phones) in U.S. detention facilities (e.g., prisons, jails) if such actions violate existing federal or state laws. It imposes civil fines up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total) or criminal fines up to $50,000 for intentional violations. The law explicitly excludes lawful law enforcement activities and state enforcement powers, and defines "detention facility" broadly to include all correctional and penal institutions. It applies to conduct occurring after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 1640, the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, prevents the Department of Energy from implementing energy efficiency standards for gas stoves that would make them unavailable in the U.S. market. It amends federal law to require that any new standard for gas stoves must not result in the unavailability of gas stove types, directly affecting gas stove manufacturers and consumers who rely on these appliances. The bill specifically blocks the implementation of the 2023 proposed rule (Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products) and any similar rule. This is a policy change focused on maintaining the availability of gas stoves by altering the criteria for energy standard approval.