Rep. Mary E. Miller

Let Injured Americans Be Legally Empowered Act or the LIABLE Act This bill prohibits COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers from being immune under federal law from lawsuits relating to their vaccines. Specifically, the bill prohibits any federal law from providing immunity for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers from civil suits or liability, or limiting liability, with respect to the administration or use of their vaccines. Additionally, individuals may not be precluded from bringing a civil suit against a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer because the individual sought or received compensation through specified federal vaccine injury compensation programs, nor does the bill preclude individuals from seeking compensation through these programs. The bill applies to vaccine administrations that occur before, on, or after the bill's date of enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 1046 is a ceremonial resolution honoring 13 U.S. military veterans and civilians who led the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. It recognizes their efforts in safely evacuating over 17,000 Afghan allies and citizens from Taliban-controlled areas during the U.S. withdrawal. The resolution formally thanks these individuals for their "extraordinary efforts" and "exceptional service," as detailed in the Congressional Record. This is purely symbolic recognition with no policy or legal impact.

Maddy summaryThe Save our Allies Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes Congress to award a single gold medal to seven individuals - Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Roarke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, and Dennis Price - for their role in rescuing over 17,000 people during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. The medal, to be struck by the U.S. Treasury, will be presented by Congress and then displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This legislation is a commemorative honor recognizing specific individuals' actions during the evacuation.

Maddy summaryHR 7494, the Protect America’s Lands Act, prohibits national securities exchanges from processing transactions involving stocks issued by companies primarily managing land for conservation. It defines "natural asset companies" as those holding rights to ecological performance of specific land areas, with their core purpose being to conserve, restore, or sustainably manage natural assets without causing material harm. The bill directly affects securities exchanges and these specific companies by banning exchange-based trading of their securities. This is a regulatory change to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, focusing on financial market rules rather than direct land management policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 1031 is a non-binding House resolution declaring the U.S. southern border situation an "invasion," citing three specific claims: over 8 million migrant crossings since 2021, a 1,000% rise in watchlist entries, and drug-related deaths. It does not create new laws or affect individuals, as resolutions like this only express legislative sentiment. The bill formally states the House's viewpoint through these cited statistics without proposing policy changes. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal force or impact on border policy.

Maddy summaryThe Airport Immigration Enforcement Act (HR 7445) prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing airport space to house undocumented migrants and bans federal funds from being used for this purpose. The bill directly affects the FAA and federal programs that might fund migrant housing at airports. Key provisions include a direct ban on the FAA approving airport facilities for this use and a prohibition on federal spending for housing undocumented migrants in airport settings. This legislation would prevent public airport resources and federal money from being allocated to house undocumented migrants at airports.

Maddy summaryHR 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically identify firearms retailers as different from general stores or sporting goods retailers. This directly affects firearms retailers and payment networks by preventing them from using business classification codes that could flag firearm sales. The bill establishes an enforcement process where the Attorney General investigates complaints, issues remediation notices, and can seek court injunctions for non-compliance, while preempting state or local laws on this issue. It does not create private lawsuits for individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 7049 repeals a Veterans Affairs directive requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care personnel. This bill directly affects VA medical staff by removing a specific policy implemented in 2022. The key provision mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to formally cancel the directive (VHA Directive 1193.01) and prohibits issuing any substantially similar future rule. The bill focuses solely on reversing an existing administrative requirement, with no new benefits or obligations added.

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) titled Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay and published on November 14, 2023. The final rule allows for the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from Paraguay into the United States under certain conditions. The United States prohibits or restricts the importation of certain animals and animal products to prevent the introduction of various animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). In response to a request from Paraguay to allow the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay into the United States, APHIS conducted a risk analysis. APHIS concluded that fresh beef could be safely imported from Paraguay, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include that (1) FMD has not been diagnosed in the exporting region within the previous 12 months; (2) the meat originated from premises where FMD has not been present during the lifetime of any bovines slaughtered for U.S. meat export; and (3) APHIS may periodically conduct on-site evaluations and subsequent inspections of the slaughter facilities, records, and operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits abortion providers from disposing of fetal remains (including medical waste from abortions) into publicly owned water systems, such as drains or pipes managed by government entities. It applies specifically to individuals performing abortions, not the patients receiving care. Violations could result in fines, up to five years in prison, or both. The law clarifies that patients cannot be held liable for such violations and does not prevent states from enacting stricter disposal requirements.