Rep. Brad Finstad

Maddy summaryHR 3161, the CDFI Fund Transparency Act, requires the Treasury Secretary (or their designee) to annually testify before the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee about the operations of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. This testimony would cover the Fund's activities from the previous year and is requested at the discretion of the committee chairs. The bill does not change how the CDFI Fund provides funding but mandates regular reporting to Congress on its operations. It directly affects the Treasury Department's reporting obligations and the congressional committees overseeing the Fund. This is a procedural transparency measure, not a substantive policy change.

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 7241 creates a new federal program to help rural water and wastewater systems prepare for and respond to disasters. It authorizes $20 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to nonprofit organizations with proven experience in water system disaster response. These organizations will provide on-site technical assistance, help develop emergency plans, conduct vulnerability assessments, repair critical infrastructure (like pumps and treatment systems), and support disadvantaged communities lacking resources. The program directly affects rural water systems and their operators by improving their ability to maintain safe water service during and after disasters. Grants cannot cover activities already funded by other federal programs, and equipment costs are limited to 25% of the grant amount.

Maddy summaryHR 9374, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if they restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. The bill specifically blocks funding for any UN body that expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to participate equally with other nations. This affects U.S. government contributions to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to halt funding for such UN actions. The key mechanism is a new provision in the UN Participation Act that mandates this funding restriction whenever Israel's UN participation is impaired.

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 summaryHRES 1402 is a ceremonial resolution that formally commends Minnesota State University, Mankato's women's and men's basketball teams for winning the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships. It specifically recognizes their championship victories (women's team defeating Texas Woman's University 89-73, men's team defeating Nova Southeastern 88-85), highlights key players and coaches, and acknowledges the teams' dedication and achievements during the 2023-2024 season. This resolution has no legal effect - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no policy changes or funding impacts.

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 summaryHJRES 122 is a resolution seeking to block a rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would have regulated credit card penalty fees. The rule, published on March 15, 2024, aimed to limit how credit card companies charge fees for late payments or other violations. If approved, this resolution would disapprove the rule under a specific legal process, preventing it from taking effect. This directly affects credit card issuers (banks and financial institutions) by allowing them to continue current fee practices without the proposed restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes sanctions on individuals and entities within the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that administer or support a system paying terrorists and their families. It targets PA/PLO officials, specific entities like the Commission of Prisoners, and financial institutions processing these payments, requiring property blocking, visa bans, and restrictions on U.S. financial transactions. The sanctions apply if the PA/PLO continues payments described in the Taylor Force Act (2018), which previously mandated ending such payments. The bill terminates if the Secretary of State certifies the PA/PLO has ceased these payments.