Rep. Randy Feenstra

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 66 disapproves a specific rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding small business lending under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The resolution, if passed, would prevent this CFPB rule from taking effect by declaring it "have no force or effect." The rule in question (88 Fed. Reg. 35150) aimed to clarify how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications under existing equal credit laws. This disapproval directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and would block the rule's implementation for small business lenders and financial institutions.

Maddy summaryHRES 888 is a non-binding House resolution introduced on November 21, 2023, by multiple representatives. It formally reaffirms the State of Israel's right to exist, states that denying this right constitutes antisemitism, and rejects calls for Israel's destruction. The resolution also condemns the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel. As a symbolic statement, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group directly.

Maddy summaryHR 6433, the PARA-EMT Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to address critical shortages in emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. It authorizes $50 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to EMS agencies to fund recruitment, training, and retention programs - including initiatives for veterans, rural communities, and youth - while requiring 20% of grants to support rural agencies. The bill also establishes a separate $20 million annual grant program to help veterans with military EMS training meet civilian certification requirements and mandates a federal study on projected EMS workforce needs through 2032. These provisions directly affect EMS agencies, training programs, and veterans seeking civilian EMS careers.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily increases the tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance from $5,250 to $12,000 per year for 2024-2025. It directly affects employees in skilled trades, healthcare, and other professions who receive employer-funded training, by expanding qualifying expenses to include tools like computer equipment, software, internet access, VR learning tools, and licensure fees. Key provisions allow employees to keep required training tools after completing courses and define "education-related tools" broadly to cover equipment needed for certification, advancement, or maintaining professional licenses. The changes apply to expenses incurred after the bill's enactment date.

Upward Mobility Enhancement Act This bill increases the amount of the tax exclusion for employer-paid educational assistance programs. It also expands the exclusion to include amounts paid for education-related tools and technology (e.g., hand tools, computers, software, licensure fees).

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize the U.S. government to confiscate Russian sovereign assets held in U.S. jurisdiction and use those funds to support Ukraine's reconstruction and humanitarian needs following Russia's invasion. It prohibits releasing these blocked assets until Russia fully compensates Ukraine or agrees to an international compensation mechanism. The bill establishes a "Ukraine Support Fund" to hold confiscated assets and requires regular congressional reporting on how these funds are allocated for Ukraine's recovery. It also includes provisions for international coordination with allies on sanctions and asset management related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryHR 6189, the Defend Our Networks Act, transfers $3.08 billion in unused pandemic relief funds to the Federal Communications Commission’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Program. It directs the Commission to use these funds - originating from the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan, and other 2020-2021 pandemic relief bills - to support efforts removing untrusted telecommunications equipment from networks. The funds merge with existing program appropriations and remain available until spent, with a 90-day deadline for transfer after enactment. This is a funding reallocation, not a new policy, affecting the FCC’s existing network security program.

Maddy summaryHR 6152, the Adopt GREET Act, requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt and use the GREET model - a scientific tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory - for calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of transportation fuels. The bill mandates the EPA update this methodology every five years, starting 90 days after enactment, and specifically requires the first update to use the GREET model. This directly affects the EPA in its regulatory work and fuel pathway developers seeking approval for new fuels under existing EPA rules. The law ensures EPA analyses of fuel emissions align with the most current scientific model, with reporting requirements if updates are delayed.