Rep. Dan Bishop

Maddy summaryHJRES 27 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a federal rule that redefined which waterways fall under the Clean Water Act's protections. It targets a rule submitted by the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 18, 2023, which aimed to revise the "Waters of the United States" definition. The resolution would formally disapprove this rule under a specific federal procedure (Chapter 8 of Title 5), preventing it from taking effect. This would directly affect how federal agencies regulate pollution and development near water bodies, including wetlands and smaller streams.

Maddy summaryThe PLUS for Veterans Act of 2023 clarifies and updates rules for veterans' benefit claims under the Department of Veterans Affairs. It sets a $12,500 annual fee cap (adjusted for inflation) for agents or attorneys representing veterans, prohibits charging fees for medical exams, and prohibits unauthorized fees with penalties including fines or up to one year in prison. The bill directly affects veterans seeking benefits, their legal representatives, and the VA by standardizing fee agreements, requiring VA reports on agent/attorney suspensions, and ensuring veterans can access free services from VA-recognized organizations. Key provisions include banning fees for medical reports and requiring clear fee disclosures to veterans.

Maddy summaryHR 2620, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023, increases penalties for crimes targeting firearms licensees. It amends Section 924 of Title 18 to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 3 years for burglaries or 5 years for robberies committed at the business premises of licensed firearms dealers, manufacturers, or importers. The bill specifically targets violations of Section 922(u), which prohibits unauthorized access to these premises, and adds "attempts to do so" to the penalties. This directly affects licensed firearms businesses by strengthening legal protections against theft or violence at their locations. The law creates clearer, harsher consequences for crimes committed during burglaries or robberies at these specific business sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act. It ends the executive branch's authority to use emergency powers related to that specific declaration. The resolution passed both chambers in early 2023 and took effect April 10, 2023, without creating new policies or affecting specific groups.

Maddy summaryHRES 282 is a non-binding resolution condemning public colleges and universities that require faculty or students to submit statements supporting specific ideological views, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as a condition for hiring, promotion, or admission. It asserts these mandatory statements violate the First Amendment by compelling adherence to particular political or ideological positions, directly contradicting Supreme Court precedents protecting academic freedom. The resolution urges institutions to stop requesting such statements, emphasizing that educational environments should not enforce ideological conformity.

Maddy summaryHR 1768, the NIH Reform Act, reorganizes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by splitting the existing "National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases" into three distinct institutes: the National Institute of Allergic Diseases, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the National Institute of Immunologic Diseases. The bill updates titles, responsibilities, and leadership structures in the Public Health Service Act, including requiring presidential appointments with Senate confirmation for directors of the new institutes, each serving 5-year terms (with one possible reappointment). It mandates a transition period where the NIH Director oversees the new institutes until their directors are appointed, and updates all references to the former institute in federal law. This change directly affects NIH’s internal structure, leadership appointments, and administrative documentation, without altering research funding or policy priorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2451 (Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023), prevents colleges receiving federal funds from punishing students or single-sex social organizations (like fraternities/sororities) solely because of their single-sex membership policies. It prohibits actions such as denying housing, scholarships, or leadership roles, or forcing students to waive these protections as a condition of enrollment. The law does not require colleges to recognize such groups, nor does it block disciplinary action for misconduct unrelated to membership (e.g., academic issues). It directly affects students in single-sex organizations and institutions participating in federal student aid programs under Title IV.

Covenant School Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to Officer Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Englebert of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in recognition of their exceptional bravery and valor in confronting an active shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHR 2445 establishes a new Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance to oversee all U.S. military and nonmilitary aid to Ukraine since January 2022. The Inspector General will conduct independent audits and investigations into how funds are spent, track weapons transfers, review contracts, and monitor compliance with U.S. requirements, directly affecting all agencies administering Ukraine aid. Quarterly reports to Congress must detail all obligations, expenditures, and comparisons of U.S. support versus other NATO allies' contributions. The office is funded with $70 million for fiscal year 2023 and terminates 180 days after unspent aid drops below $250 million.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 30 seeks to block a Department of Labor rule that would have required retirement plan managers (like those handling 401(k)s) to follow strict "prudence and loyalty" standards when selecting investments and voting on company matters. The rule, published in December 2022, aimed to protect retirement savings by ensuring fiduciaries prioritize participants' interests. This resolution, if passed, would prevent the rule from taking effect, avoiding new compliance requirements for retirement plan managers and sponsors. It directly affects retirement plan administrators and the millions of participants in these plans.