Rep. Mary E. Miller

Maddy summaryThe Dental and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 (DOC Access Act) requires health insurance plans covering dental and vision care to allow providers (like dentists and optometrists) to charge patients the usual and customary rate for uncovered services, with a specific rule limiting dental cleanings to the network fee even if it exceeds annual coverage limits. It prohibits plans from restricting providers' choices of laboratories or suppliers for patient care. This law directly affects dental and vision care providers and the health insurance plans that offer these services. The bill establishes concrete billing and coverage standards to improve access to necessary dental and vision care.

Maddy summaryThe PHIT Act of 2023 allows individuals and families to deduct certain fitness expenses as medical costs on their federal taxes. It covers gym memberships, fitness classes, and specific equipment used exclusively for exercise (like home workout gear), with a yearly limit of $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns). Expenses for activities like golf, hunting, or non-exercise-focused facilities (e.g., private clubs) are excluded, and equipment must be used solely for physical activity. This directly affects taxpayers who pay for qualifying fitness programs, making these costs partially tax-deductible under revised IRS rules.

Maddy summaryHR 1556, the "Define WOTUS Act," redefines which water bodies fall under federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. It explicitly includes rivers, lakes, and wetlands connected to larger waterways, while excluding intermittent streams, groundwater, man-made ditches, and temporary water features like stormwater basins. The bill requires the Army Secretary to provide landowners with a binding, 60-day official ruling on whether waters on their property qualify as regulated "navigable waters." This directly affects property owners, developers, and farmers by clarifying regulatory boundaries and reducing uncertainty about federal water regulations.

Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act or the A-PLUS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to revise its regulations to allow livestock market agencies (e.g., auction market owners) to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a meat packer with a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animals per day or 700,000 animals per year for cattle and sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year for hogs.

Protecting American Sovereignty Act This bill prohibits the federal government from implementing any obligations upon the United States that may be contained in a draft report by a World Health Organization (WHO) working group on strengthening the WHO's preparedness and response to health emergencies. This prohibition shall also apply to any related or successor reports and recommendations regarding pandemics.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. State Department to officially designate four specific Mexican drug cartels (Gulf Cartel, Cartel Del Noreste, Cartel de Sinaloa, and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion) as foreign terrorist organizations under existing law. It mandates a 30-day report explaining why these groups meet the legal criteria for such designation, including justification if they don't. The report must be submitted to specified congressional committees and may lead to additional cartels being designated based on the findings. The bill also clarifies that this designation won't affect asylum eligibility for individuals fleeing these groups.

This resolution condemns the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and other similarly situated Mexican drug cartels. The resolution also calls for such cartels to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations and for the Biden Administration to freeze their financial assets. (A designation as a foreign terrorist organization triggers various penalties on the organization's members, such as asset freezes and immigration restrictions.)

Maddy summaryHR 1524 (FAIR Act of 2023) prohibits federal agencies, contractors, and recipients of federal funds from intentionally discriminating against or granting preferences based on race, color, or national origin. It directly affects federal contractors, state/local entities receiving federal aid, and educational institutions using federal funds by banning preferential treatment (including quotas or set-asides) in contracts, employment, and admissions. Key provisions require federal agencies to review and update policies within six months of enactment to comply with the ban. The bill does not impact immigration laws or pending cases/contracts but allows civil lawsuits for violations with remedies like back pay and attorney fees.

Maddy summaryThe POWER Act of 2023 prevents the President from blocking or delaying new oil, gas, coal, or mineral leases on federal lands without explicit Congressional approval. It specifically stops executive actions that would delay or cancel permits for energy development on National Forests, public lands, the outer continental shelf, or energy-managed lands. The bill requires Congress to pass new laws if it wants to restrict energy leasing or withdraw land from development under existing federal land laws. This directly affects energy companies seeking to develop resources on federal property by limiting executive authority over lease approvals.

Maddy summaryHJRES 41 disapproves a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that expanded the "public charge" standard, which previously allowed officials to deny visas or green cards to immigrants likely to use public benefits like Medicaid or housing assistance. This resolution would nullify the rule (published in the Federal Register as 87 Fed. Reg. 5547), meaning it could no longer be enforced against immigrants applying for U.S. entry or residency. The bill directly affects noncitizens seeking visas, green cards, or adjustment of status who might use public benefits, as the rule had broadened the criteria for denying their applications. As a disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act, it stops the rule from taking effect without creating new immigration law.