Rep. Trent Kelly

Maddy summaryHR 9715, the "Strengthening our Servicemembers with Milk Act," requires the Secretary of Defense to provide various types of milk - including unflavored, organic, lactose-free, and fat-free options - at military dining facilities for active-duty members of the Armed Forces. The bill mandates that milk must be available in multiple varieties to accommodate dietary preferences and needs. It also prohibits purchasing milk from entities owned or controlled by foreign adversaries, as defined by existing regulations. This policy change directly affects military personnel dining at installations nationwide, ensuring broader milk access while restricting certain procurement sources.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on April 19, 2024. The resolution seeks to block the ATF's rule that redefined the term "engaged in the business" for firearm dealers, which would have affected how federal licensing requirements apply to certain sellers. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The bill directly impacts firearm dealers operating under the current regulatory framework and the ATF's enforcement authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJRES 163) is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule finalized on May 9, 2024. The EPA rule established new emissions standards for greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power plants (both new and existing) and repealed a previous rule called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution would block this EPA rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). If passed, it would prevent the EPA rule from being enforced, directly affecting fossil fuel power plant operators and the EPA’s regulatory authority over emissions.

Maddy summaryHR 6242, the VOTES Act of 2023, expands voting rights for military service members overseas by updating the definition of eligible voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). The bill replaces "active duty" with "active duty, active service, or inactive duty-training" throughout UOCAVA, ensuring service members in reserve training (inactive duty) qualify for absentee voting just like those on active duty. This change directly affects U.S. military personnel serving overseas in any duty status under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. The law takes effect for elections after January 1, 2025, making absentee voting procedures more inclusive for all uniformed service members.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 29, 2024, as "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day" to honor the organization's 125th anniversary. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging government agencies and the public to observe the day with ceremonies, though it creates no new laws or policy changes. The resolution recognizes the VFW's historical service to veterans but does not directly affect any individuals or programs.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates federal financial assistance for landowners and businesses affected by pine beetle outbreaks on privately owned forests. It provides cost-sharing payments covering up to 85% of outbreak response measures (like tree thinning, debris removal, or insecticide treatment) for landowners, and up to 50% of eligible service costs for timber businesses (e.g., logging or tree care companies). To qualify, land must have had tree cover before the outbreak, be in a drought-designated disaster area, and have confirmed pine beetle infestations. The bill also authorizes emergency loans covering at least 75% of response costs for landowners, with repayment options using cost-share payments, and grants for state/local governments to aid outbreak response.

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 summaryThis bill adds "galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose" (alpha-gal) to the list of major food allergens under federal law. It requires food manufacturers to clearly label products containing alpha-gal, which is found in red meat and some other animal-derived foods, directly affecting consumers with alpha-gal syndrome (a meat allergy often triggered by tick bites). The law excludes certain mammal-derived ingredients (like those from alpha-gal-knockout animals) if they fall below a detectable limit. The new labeling requirement will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving manufacturers time to adjust. This change ensures clearer allergen information for people with this specific allergy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Corey Comperatore, a former Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department chief from Pennsylvania, who was killed shielding his family during the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump at a rally in Butler. It recognizes his service and sacrifice, specifically noting he died protecting his wife and two daughters. The resolution also condemns the assassination attempt and political violence in all forms. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effect.