Rep. Victoria Spartz

Maddy summaryHR 8051, the Earmark Elimination Act of 2024, prohibits the House of Representatives from considering any bill, amendment, or conference report containing a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit. This directly affects lawmakers who attempt to include specific spending requests for particular projects, entities, or small groups of beneficiaries (e.g., a grant for a single local project or a tax break for 10 or fewer companies). The bill establishes a procedural rule where a point of order can be raised to strike such provisions from a measure if sustained by the House. It defines "earmarks" as targeted spending requests made at a member’s request, excluding those from formula-driven processes, and similarly defines limited tax/tariff benefits affecting few beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryHR 6046, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, requires the Secretary of State to designate Ansarallah (the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization within 90 days of enactment and mandates the President to impose sanctions under existing authorities (Executive Orders 13224 and 13780) against Ansarallah and its members, agents, or affiliates. The bill directly affects Ansarallah and any foreign entities linked to it by triggering U.S. sanctions. Key provisions set strict 90-day deadlines for both the designation and sanctions implementation. The law focuses on reversing a prior designation revocation and enforcing existing legal mechanisms against the group.

Maddy summaryHR 3591, the Asylum Accountability Act, removes a 10-year bar to adjusting immigration status for asylum seekers who fail to appear at their removal hearing. It amends Section 240(b)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by eliminating the phrase "for a period of 10 years after the date of the entry of the final order of removal." This change directly affects individuals seeking asylum who miss their scheduled removal proceedings. The key provision simplifies the process by allowing these individuals to immediately apply for status adjustment after a final removal order, without waiting a decade. The bill makes a specific procedural change to immigration law without altering broader asylum eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 288) urges the European Union to formally designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under EU legal framework Common Position 931. It does not create new laws but requests the EU take this specific action, noting the EU has previously sanctioned IRGC individuals but not the organization as a whole. The resolution cites the IRGC's role in human rights abuses, support for proxy groups, and involvement in conflicts like Ukraine as context for the request. Introduced in April 2023 by 20+ House members, it is a non-binding expression of congressional preference.

Maddy summaryHRES 1148 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that condemns the Iranian government for supporting terrorism, regional proxy conflicts, and internal suppression of dissent - including its crackdown on protests following Mahsa Amini's death in 2022. It specifically calls for maintaining sanctions against Iran, supporting the Iranian Resistance's Ten-Point Plan (which advocates for a democratic, secular, nonnuclear Iran), and protecting Iranian political refugees in Albania. The resolution also affirms the Iranian people's right to self-determination under international law and urges the U.S. to recognize their struggle for freedom. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional stance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish, implement, or enforce any requirement for wearing facial coverings to prevent COVID-19 spread. It directly affects federal agencies and any entities receiving federal funding that might enforce mask mandates. The key provision blocks all federal financial support for mask mandate enforcement, meaning no government money could be used to require or support such rules. This is a funding restriction, not a ban on mask mandates themselves, and applies only to federal resources.

Maddy summaryHR 7874 would require the U.S. to terminate its 1984 tax treaty with China if China's military attacks Taiwan. The bill mandates that the President notify the Treasury Secretary within 30 days of such an attack, triggering formal treaty termination through diplomatic channels. It also requires the President to inform specific congressional committees about the termination. This bill directly affects U.S.-China tax relations but does not change current tax laws or rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to publicly post proposed settlement agreements and consent decrees 60 days before court submission, including explanations of their legal basis and terms (like attorney fees). It affects agencies, companies, and governments involved in regulatory disputes by mandating transparency in settlements that change agency rules or commit unappropriated funds. Key mechanisms include online publication, 60-day public comment periods, mandatory agency responses to feedback, and court review of terms that limit agency discretion or budget authority. Agencies must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing all such settlements and related attorney fee awards. The law applies to cases filed or agreements proposed after its enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 661, "Sarah’s Law," requires U.S. immigration authorities to detain certain immigrants charged with crimes causing death or serious injury. It applies to immigrants who entered without proper inspection, held revoked temporary visas, or fall under specific deportation categories, and who face charges for violent crimes. The bill mandates that immigration officials notify victims or their families (like parents or spouses) about the immigrant’s identity, immigration status, custody details, and removal efforts. This law does not change existing victim rights but adds specific notification requirements for these cases.

Maddy summaryHR 7322, the SUE for Immigration Enforcement Act of 2024, allows state attorneys general or authorized state officials to sue the federal government in federal court. The bill specifically enables states to file lawsuits against the Secretary of Homeland Security or other federal officials when immigration enforcement actions (like releasing detained immigrants or granting parole) cause the state or its residents financial harm exceeding $100. It adds new legal standing for states to challenge specific immigration policies under several sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including detention requirements, visa restrictions, and parole decisions. The bill requires federal courts to prioritize these cases for faster resolution. This law directly affects states seeking to challenge federal immigration enforcement policies through legal action.