Rep. Tracey Mann

Maddy summaryHR 9527, the *Protecting Our Land from Federal Overreach Act of 2024*, prohibits the federal government from using eminent domain or federal funds to acquire land for interstate electric transmission lines. It amends the Federal Power Act to block federal agencies from forcing land sales for such projects and requires states to approve permits before transmission facilities can be built or modified within their borders. Specifically, the bill eliminates federal authority to exercise eminent domain for these facilities and mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) cannot issue permits if a state objects. This directly affects landowners whose property might be targeted for transmission projects, states with siting authority, and federal energy agencies managing infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal premium support for certain crop insurance plans used by farmers. It raises the subsidy rate to 77% for lower coverage levels and 68% for higher coverage levels under enterprise or whole-farm revenue/yield protection plans (previously 70% and 65%). It also adjusts coverage requirements, reducing the minimum supplemental coverage level from 14% to 10% and increasing the maximum from 86% to 90%, while raising the premium subsidy for this option from 65% to 80%. Additionally, it mandates a study to evaluate expanding supplemental coverage to larger counties with specific coverage tiers, requiring a report to Congress within one year.

Maddy summaryHR 8055, the Ensuring Access to Risk Management Act of 2024, sets minimum reimbursement rates for crop insurance providers selling specialty crop insurance (such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts). It requires that at least 17% of premiums cover administrative costs, or the current rate - whichever is higher - starting with the 2022 reinsurance year. Beginning in 2024, it also mandates annual adjustments to these reimbursements based on inflation, tied to the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects insurance providers and agents who sell crop insurance for specialty crops under federal programs.

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.

Maddy summaryHR 7015, the CAREERS Act, expands federal funding for workforce training programs to better serve rural communities. It modifies eligibility to include career and technical education schools and requires training programs to align with specific rural industry sectors like broadband, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and water services. The bill mandates grantees to report on employment outcomes for participants and addresses rural workforce challenges such as worker displacement and youth migration. This directly affects rural workforce development boards, training providers, and workers in designated rural industries seeking job skills and career pathways.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a new review process for proposed listings of species under the Endangered Species Act. It requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to pause proposed listings when an "established consortium" (state or multi-state conservation group) objects, then refer the case to an independent third-party evaluator team. These teams - composed of experts in science, economic impacts on landowners/businesses, and conservation partnerships - must review the case within 180 days and issue a binding decision to proceed, terminate, or remand the listing. The bill also mandates greater transparency in Species Status Assessments by requiring public disclosure of peer reviewers' credentials and the rationale for including/excluding scientific data. It formalizes existing voluntary conservation agreements between the Service and private landowners (like Candidate Conservation Agreements) to remain legally binding.

Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2024 This bill prohibits states or localities from imposing a levy or collecting an excise tax on the sale of a firearm, ammunition, or any part or component thereof, by a manufacture or retailer.

Maddy summaryHJRES 127 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring public companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures. It seeks to block the SEC’s March 2024 rule (89 Fed. Reg. 21668), which would mandate consistent reporting on climate risks for investors. If passed, this resolution would prevent the SEC rule from taking effect, directly affecting publicly traded companies required to comply with the proposed disclosure standards. The bill uses a specific congressional process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to nullify the rule without creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Respect State Housing Laws Act amends the CARES Act by removing subsection (c) of Section 4024, which governed notice requirements for housing assistance programs. This change eliminates a specific federal notice provision that applied to tenants and landlords receiving CARES Act housing aid. The bill directly affects the administrative process for housing assistance under the CARES Act, streamlining or removing a requirement for notice delivery. It modifies an existing provision without creating new policy or altering broader housing protections.