Rep. Larry Bucshon

Maddy summaryHR 1070 creates a new interim permit process for owners or operators of critical energy resource facilities under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. This allows these facilities to operate under an interim permit while awaiting final EPA approval, streamlining permitting for projects involving critical energy resources. The bill defines "critical energy resource" as energy sources essential to U.S. energy systems with vulnerable supply chains (as determined by the Secretary of Energy), and "critical energy resource facility" as one processing or refining such resources. The interim permit must still be approved by the EPA Administrator, ensuring environmental oversight remains in place. This change directly affects energy infrastructure projects focused on securing critical supply chains.

Maddy summaryHR 1068, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to define "critical energy resource" as any energy resource essential to U.S. energy systems with a vulnerable supply chain. The bill requires the Energy Secretary to conduct ongoing assessments of these resources, strengthen domestic supply chains through diversification and increased production, develop alternatives, improve recycling technology, and evaluate risks from import reliance. This legislation directly affects the Department of Energy, which must now lead these efforts in consultation with energy sector stakeholders and federal agencies. The key mechanisms focus on preventing supply disruptions for resources critical to energy technologies and systems, without specifying particular minerals or industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes federal funding for opioid recovery centers through 2028, extending the current program's timeline. It directly affects existing opioid recovery centers and their partner organizations, such as mental health and substance use treatment providers. Key changes include allowing centers to use letters of intent from partners instead of full documentation to prove service coordination, and clarifying that centers may deliver services through third-party contracts or referrals while maintaining oversight. The bill streamlines administrative requirements without altering core service delivery standards.

Maddy summaryThe DAIRY PRIDE Act would require food products using dairy-related terms (like "milk," "yogurt," or "cheese") to meet the FDA's definition of dairy - derived from animal milk - to prevent misleading labeling of plant-based alternatives. It directly affects producers of plant-based products currently marketed with dairy terms, such as almond or oat milk, which often lack comparable nutrition. The bill mandates the FDA issue enforcement guidance within 180 days and report to Congress on actions taken after two years. This policy change aims to align product names with the FDA's existing definition of dairy products under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - female telephone operators who served in the Army Signal Corps during World War I. They provided critical battlefield communications in France (connecting 26 million calls), wore military uniforms, and faced combat risks, but were denied veteran benefits for 60 years due to being classified as civilian contractors. The medal recognizes their pioneering service, devotion, and the decades-long struggle to gain military recognition. The award follows similar recognition for other WWII women veterans and aims to correct the historical injustice they faced.

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.

Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of employment-based immigration visas available. The total number of additional visas made available under this bill shall be based on a formula relating to certain types of visas issued from FY1992-FY2021. These visas shall be available in FY2024 and in subsequent fiscal years until they are used. Furthermore, the yearly cap on the number of employment-based immigration visas that are made available to a single country shall not apply to the visas made available under this bill. (Generally, individuals from a single country may only receive up to 7% of such visas made available in a fiscal year.)

Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023 This bill establishes a framework to prohibit correctional institutions at the federal and state levels from housing inmates of one biological sex with inmates of the other biological sex.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the use of 529 college savings accounts to cover career training and credentialing costs. It allows funds to pay for tuition, fees, books, and testing expenses related to recognized postsecondary credential programs (like vocational certifications) that meet specific standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The change directly affects workers seeking industry-recognized credentials - such as nursing certifications or IT certifications - instead of traditional degrees. It treats these expenses the same as traditional college costs for 529 account withdrawals, making it easier to save for career-focused training. The provision applies to expenses paid after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 1322 expands federal retirement benefits to include specific non-traditional law enforcement roles. It adds IRS employees focused on tax collection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service staff, Department of Veterans Affairs police officers, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized property specialists to the definition of "law enforcement officer" under federal retirement systems. Current employees in these newly covered positions must elect to pay deposits for past service to receive full retirement credit, while their agencies must contribute additional funds for that past service. The bill also temporarily prevents mandatory separation for current law enforcement officers for three years after enactment.