Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Maddy summaryHR 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, amends the Clean Air Act to restrict states from implementing vehicle emissions rules that limit the sale or use of new gasoline-powered cars. It directly affects states with stricter emissions standards (like California) by adding a new definition that blocks state rules "directly or indirectly" limiting internal combustion engine vehicles as defined in federal regulations as of January 1, 2023. The bill requires the EPA to revoke existing state emissions waivers granted between January 2022 and the bill’s enactment if they don’t comply with this new definition. This creates a concrete federal standard preventing states from advancing policies that could reduce demand for conventional vehicles.

Maddy summaryThe Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 bans cosmetic animal testing in the United States, prohibiting companies from conducting or contracting such testing after its enactment (effective 1 year later). It also bans selling or transporting cosmetics developed using animal testing conducted after that date within U.S. interstate commerce. The law directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers operating in the U.S. market, requiring them to use non-animal testing methods for safety evaluations. Exceptions exist for foreign regulatory requirements or when no alternative testing methods are available for specific ingredients.

Maddy summaryHR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Maddy summaryHR 5370, the Ukraine Reconstruction Act of 2023, directs the U.S. government to use assets blocked from Russia (designated as an "Aggressor State") and Belarus (designated as an "Affiliated Aggressor State") to fund Ukraine's reconstruction. It requires transferring these blocked assets into an international fund or a U.S. reconstruction fund if an international tribunal for claims isn't established promptly, with strict reporting and auditing requirements. The law expires on December 31, 2030, but allows for orderly winding down of operations. This directly affects Ukraine (as the recipient of reconstruction funds) and Russia/Belarus (as targets of asset freezes).

Maddy summaryHR 4469, the No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act of 2023, prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from authorizing or using credits for electricity generated from renewable fuel to meet transportation fuel requirements under the Clean Air Act. The bill directly affects renewable energy companies and electric vehicle manufacturers that previously relied on these credits (eRINs) for compliance. It prohibits the EPA from creating new credits for electricity-based renewable fuel and requires the agency to block the use or transfer of any existing credits generated before the law's enactment. The law specifically clarifies that these provisions apply to credits tied to renewable fuel used in electricity, not traditional biofuels in transportation fuel.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to develop and implement a strategy for scanning all incoming mail at federal prisons to stop fentanyl and other synthetic drugs from entering facilities. It directs the Bureau to evaluate existing scanning technology within 180 days and submit a detailed plan to Congress within 90 days, including how to provide digital copies of mail to inmates within 24 hours and physical copies within 30 days (if safe). The strategy must achieve 100% mail scanning capacity at all federal prisons, prioritize high-security facilities, and include a budget proposal for fiscal years 2024-2026. This directly affects federal prisons, inmates, and Bureau employees by changing mail processing procedures to enhance safety and reduce staffing burdens from manual mail checks.

Maddy summaryThe ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023 provides federal funding through grants, loans, and combinations of both to build broadband infrastructure in rural areas. It requires projects to provide at least 100 Mbps downstream and 100 Mbps upstream service, with priority given to areas where at least 90% of households lack such service. The bill authorizes $650 million annually from 2024-2028 for this program, targeting rural communities that currently lack adequate broadband access, while requiring cost-sharing of up to 25% and technical assistance for applicants. Eligible entities include state/local governments, tribes, cooperatives, and corporations, but not individuals or general partnerships. The program will expire on September 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryThe ACES Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund a National Academies study examining cancer rates among active-duty military aircrew members (including pilots and navigators in fixed-wing aircraft). The study will identify potential military-related exposures linked to specific cancers - such as lung, prostate, melanoma, and others - and analyze existing VA, Defense, and CDC health data. It requires the National Academies to report findings to Congress on cancer prevalence and mortality among these service members. This bill focuses on gathering scientific data to inform future policy, not on immediate benefits or changes.

Maddy summaryHR 5067, the Empowering Electric Grid Reliability Act, directs the U.S. Secretary of Energy to establish a task force within three months to study supply chains for critical electric grid components like transformers and substation equipment. The task force will identify risks - including geopolitical threats, digital vulnerabilities, and manufacturing gaps - and assess domestic capabilities to ensure reliable power delivery to homes and businesses. It must submit a report with specific policy recommendations for reshoring supply chains, building stockpiles, enhancing workforce training, and improving grid resilience. The bill does not enact immediate changes but mandates a study to inform future decisions on energy infrastructure security.

Rural Broadband Modernization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies a program that provides support for broadband access in rural areas. Among other modifications to the program, the bill establishes minimum upload and download capacities.