Rep. Greg Pence

Maddy summaryThe SAFER at the Border Act prohibits the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from temporarily admitting (paroling) certain individuals at the border. It defines "known terrorists" (those arrested, charged, or convicted for terrorism), "suspected terrorists" (reasonably suspected of terrorism), and "special interest aliens" (those with potential terrorism links based on travel patterns). The bill explicitly bans parole for these individuals, even for humanitarian reasons or public benefit, and also prohibits parole for refugees. Additionally, it allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security if they suffer financial harm exceeding $100 from the parole of such individuals.

Maddy summaryThe Save our Safety-Net Hospitals Act of 2024 modifies Medicaid payment rules to better support hospitals serving large numbers of low-income patients. It removes a restriction that previously prevented some safety-net hospitals from receiving full reimbursement for care provided to these patients. The bill allows these hospitals to count payments from Medicare and other programs when calculating their Medicaid reimbursement, ensuring they are fully compensated for services. This change applies to fiscal years beginning October 1, 2021, and prevents states from recouping past payments made under the old rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution aims to block a rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that sets new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars, light trucks (starting in 2027), and heavy-duty pickup trucks/vans (starting in 2030). If passed, it would prevent this specific rule from taking effect by disapproving it under a congressional review process. The rule directly affects vehicle manufacturers by requiring them to meet these updated fuel economy targets for future model years. This is a procedural resolution, not a new law, focused solely on halting the implementation of the existing NHTSA rule.

Maddy summaryHR 9274, the SHAWL Act, establishes two new Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum. It authorizes both museums to be located within the National Mall’s "Reserve" area, overriding prior restrictions, and requires federal agencies managing potential sites to transfer jurisdiction to the Smithsonian after notifying congressional committees. The bill mandates that both museums accurately represent diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints within Latino and women’s communities through exhibits and programs, requiring input from a broad range of community experts. It also requires the Smithsonian to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing compliance with these representation requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 8571, the Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2024, creates a federal grant program to cover medical costs for retired working dogs. It provides grants of up to $575,000 annually to eligible nonprofits that primarily care for qualified working dogs, including retired military and law enforcement dogs, and service dogs for veterans or retired law enforcement officers. The grants fund covered medical expenses like vet visits, procedures, and medications, directly easing financial burdens on handlers who take in these dogs after retirement. Nonprofits must meet strict criteria, including spending at least 70% of funds on medical assistance for these dogs.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Public Participation Division within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to better coordinate assistance for the public during regulatory proceedings. The Division would be led by a Director who provides technical and logistical support to individuals and groups participating in Commission processes, but cannot offer financial compensation for legal or expert witness fees. The legislation also requires the new Director to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing how the Division operates and how its functions overlap with existing Commission authorities. This structure aims to streamline public engagement in energy regulation while maintaining clear boundaries on the type of assistance provided.

Maddy summaryHR 9017 lowers federal oil and gas royalty rates from 16.67% to 12.5% and reduces minimum lease bids from $10 to $2 per acre. It also cuts annual rental rates for leases (from $3-$15 to $1.50-$2 per acre) and eliminates a fee for expressing interest in leases. The bill creates new "noncompetitive leasing" options for existing leases producing low volumes (e.g., ≤15 barrels oil/day or ≤60,000 cubic feet gas/day), allowing leaseholders to continue operations without bidding. These changes directly affect oil and gas leaseholders on federal lands, particularly smaller producers with existing low-production leases.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents U.S. funding for United Nations agencies if Palestine gains any status beyond its current observer status. It amends two existing laws (from 1990 and 1994) to replace the phrase "full membership" with "any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status" in funding restrictions. The law directly affects U.S. financial contributions to UN bodies, ensuring funds are withheld if Palestine achieves full membership or equivalent standing. It explicitly excludes Taiwan from these provisions but does not alter Palestine’s existing observer status at the UN.

Maddy summaryHR 8985, the Preventing Forced Abortions Act of 2024, prohibits federal courts from enforcing any surrogacy contract clause requiring a surrogate mother to have an abortion at the request of intended parents or their agents. The bill mandates courts to enforce payment to the surrogate for her services, regardless of any contract term tied to abortion, including clauses penalizing refusal (like reduced pay or liquidated damages). It directly affects surrogacy agreements between intended parents and surrogate mothers, ensuring surrogates cannot be forced to undergo abortions against their will while protecting their contractual compensation. The law defines "abortion" as intentionally terminating a pregnancy except in specific medical circumstances, such as after fetal viability or removing a non-viable fetus.