Rep. Richard McCormick

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines disaster recovery by temporarily waiving certain federal requirements during declared emergencies. It exempts vessels from the Jones Act (which requires U.S.-built ships for domestic transport) and waives Davis-Bacon labor wage rules for disaster-related repair projects. The bill also creates temporary "Emergency Recovery Boards" with federal, state, local, and congressional members to identify immediate and long-term barriers to recovery after major disasters. Additionally, it allows federal agencies to include pre-planned technological upgrades (like energy-efficient systems) during the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. These changes directly affect federal agencies, state/local governments, and contractors managing disaster response and recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryHRES 1530 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing former President Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday. It honors his life, public service, and key achievements, including his presidency (noting the Panama Canal treaties, Camp David Accords, and founding the Departments of Education and Energy), post-presidency work with the Carter Center, and decades of humanitarian efforts. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely commemorative. It formally acknowledges his contributions to Georgia, the U.S., and global peace efforts, including his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. This symbolic gesture has no direct impact on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryHRES 1348 is a non-binding resolution urging Nigeria to immediately release Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former IRS agent detained since February 2024. The resolution cites his unlawful detention after legal deadlines expired, deteriorating health (including malaria), and poor conditions at Kuje Prison, where he was transferred despite a court order for hospital care. It calls for Nigeria to grant him medical access, consular support, and due process, while urging the U.S. government to use all resources to secure his release. The resolution highlights concerns that his detention appears linked to pressure on his employer, Binance, rather than legitimate legal grounds.

Maddy summaryThe DISPOSE Act authorizes the U.S. government to partner with Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to safely destroy chemicals used in illegal drug production. It requires the State Department, in coordination with Justice and Defense, to create a detailed implementation plan within 90 days - including timelines, budgets, and measurable goals - and provide annual progress reports to Congress on chemical destruction efforts. The initiative aims to prevent these chemicals from re-entering drug manufacturing, free storage space for future seizures, and reduce environmental harm from hazardous waste.

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryHJRES 136 is a resolution seeking to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have set new emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles sold in 2027 and later model years. The EPA rule, published in April 2024, aimed to require vehicle manufacturers to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing the EPA from enforcing the new standards. It uses a congressional process that allows Congress to reject agency rules with a simple majority vote.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on April 19, 2024. The resolution seeks to block the ATF's rule that redefined the term "engaged in the business" for firearm dealers, which would have affected how federal licensing requirements apply to certain sellers. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The bill directly impacts firearm dealers operating under the current regulatory framework and the ATF's enforcement authority.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland (FLASH) Act authorizes the construction of navigable roads on Federal lands along the southern border to improve U.S. Customs and Border Protection access, while establishing policies to reduce trash accumulation and address environmental damage from unauthorized border crossings. The bill requires agencies to develop protocols for mitigating wildfire risks through vegetation management, prohibits Federal funds from being used to provide housing for unauthorized immigrants on Federal lands, and includes provisions to address illegal cannabis cultivation and pesticide use. It mandates annual reports on waste collection and environmental impacts, and authorizes $16 million annually for initiatives to address contamination from trespass cannabis cultivation on covered Federal lands. The legislation directly affects land management operations on approximately 50 million acres of Federal lands administered by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service along the southern border.

Maddy summaryHR 9699, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and key support staff continue receiving pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2025. It appropriates funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, Department of Defense civilians, and qualifying contractors supporting military operations, if regular appropriations aren't enacted. The funding remains in effect until the earliest of: a new appropriations law, a funding resolution without such funding, or January 1, 2026. This bill does not change pay rates or create new policies - it guarantees existing pay continuity during budget transitions.

Maddy summaryHR 9647, the President Jimmy Carter Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award a single gold medal to former President Jimmy Carter in recognition of his service. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. It does not create new policies or affect any government programs or individuals beyond this ceremonial honor. The medal is intended to commemorate Carter's presidency, humanitarian work through the Carter Center, and his Nobel Peace Prize. This is a procedural bill with no substantive legislative impact.