Rep. Clay Higgins

Maddy summaryHR 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically identify firearms retailers as different from general stores or sporting goods retailers. This directly affects firearms retailers and payment networks by preventing them from using business classification codes that could flag firearm sales. The bill establishes an enforcement process where the Attorney General investigates complaints, issues remediation notices, and can seek court injunctions for non-compliance, while preempting state or local laws on this issue. It does not create private lawsuits for individuals.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the alleged political persecution of, and weaponization of the federal government by the Biden Administration against, Donald Trump.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a specific proposed rule (published September 8, 2023) that would have raised the salary threshold for overtime eligibility for certain white-collar workers. It directly affects the Department of Labor's ability to move forward with that rule change. The bill does not create new overtime rules or alter current requirements; it simply blocks this particular proposed rule from taking effect. As a procedural measure, it prevents the rule from becoming final policy.

Maddy summaryHR 7176, the "Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024," streamlines approval processes for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. It grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) exclusive authority to approve or deny LNG export facility projects, requiring FERC to deem such exports "consistent with the public interest" unless specific legal exceptions apply. The bill explicitly preserves the President’s authority to block LNG exports under sanctions laws targeting countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. This directly affects LNG companies seeking export permits and FERC’s regulatory role, without altering existing environmental or safety regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 4316, the Citizen Ballot Protection Act, amends the National Voter Registration Act to allow states to require mail voter registration applicants to provide proof of U.S. citizenship after federal elections. This change applies specifically to the state mail voter registration form, adding a citizenship verification step that states may implement following federal election cycles. The bill does not alter current in-person registration requirements or the timing of citizenship proof for initial registration. It directly affects voters who submit registration applications by mail for federal offices. The law would take effect upon its enactment.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that former President Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against, nor give aid or comfort to the enemies of, the United States.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges the U.S. State Department to redesignate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) for systematic religious freedom violations under the International Religious Freedom Act, and to appoint a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region. It cites U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommendations, reports of ongoing violence against Christian communities (including church attacks and kidnappings), and Nigeria’s blasphemy laws as justification. The resolution specifically requests the Secretary of State to immediately redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and the President to appoint a Special Envoy with direct reporting to the Secretary. It does not create new law but expresses congressional intent for U.S. diplomatic action. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryHR 7223 requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create guidelines improving access to Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards for people leaving prison. The bill directs TSA to develop tools helping incarcerated individuals apply for TWIC cards before release and assist with appeals or waivers if denied initially. This aims to speed up employment opportunities in maritime and port-related jobs - critical for 525,000 Louisiana port jobs and 260,000 oil/gas industry roles requiring TWIC cards. The guidelines must be finalized within one year of the bill’s enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 7117, the Driver Data Control Act of 2024, limits access to data from vehicle safety recorders (EDRs) to protect owners' privacy. It requires federal law enforcement to obtain a warrant, court order (with 48-hour owner notice), or use data solely for emergency medical care in crashes. The bill prohibits insurers, lienholders, and lessors from accessing EDR data without written owner consent, banning conditions that tie insurance claims, payments, or lease agreements to data access. This directly affects vehicle owners, law enforcement, and insurance/leasing companies by establishing clear consent rules and restricting data use.

Maddy summaryHR 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, creates new criminal penalties for individuals fleeing U.S. Border Patrol officers or assisting officers while operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border. It imposes prison terms of up to 2 years for basic offenses, 5-20 years if serious injury occurs, and 10 years to life if death results. People unlawfully in the U.S. who commit this offense become permanently ineligible for any legal status, including asylum. The bill also requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress on prosecutions and penalties related to this new offense.