Maddy summaryHR 277 would require Congress to approve major federal regulations before they take effect. Major rules are defined as those with significant economic impact ($100 million+ annually), major cost increases for consumers or industries, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, or innovation. Agencies must submit detailed information about these rules to Congress, including cost-benefit analyses, before they can take effect. Congress would have 70 session days to approve the rule with a joint resolution; if they don't act within that timeframe, the rule would not take effect. This would increase congressional oversight of federal regulations and require more detailed information about proposed rules before they become law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 527 (HRES 527), introduced on June 20, 2023, is a symbolic resolution condemning the rise in antisemitic violence and harassment targeting Jewish Americans. It directly addresses Jewish Americans affected by recorded increases in antisemitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues and hate speech. The resolution calls on all members of Congress to denounce antisemitism, commit to combating it, and advance accurate Holocaust education while countering Holocaust denial. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses congressional solidarity but does not create new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryHR 4076 establishes a joint U.S.-Israel program to fund health technology development, authorizing $4 million annually (2024-2026) through the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. It requires Israel to match U.S. funding and focuses on collaborative projects in artificial intelligence, vaccines, telemedicine, diagnostic tests, and data-driven personalized medicine for emerging infectious diseases. The program can either build on an existing U.S.-Israel agreement or create a new one under a 2008 science cooperation framework. This bill directly affects U.S. federal health agencies and the Israeli government, with funds restricted to joint projects meeting specific technological and health priorities.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal grant programs to include all FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal agents (like naloxone), not just specific products. It requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to revise existing grant program materials by December 2023 to ensure references cover any approved agent. The change directly affects states and tribes receiving State Opioid Response Grants and Tribal Opioid Response Grants under the 21st Century Cures Act, as well as regional/national prevention grants under the Public Health Service Act. This allows grantees greater flexibility to use the most effective, currently available reversal agents in their opioid response efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits providing, facilitating, or possessing wireless devices (like cell phones) in U.S. detention facilities (e.g., prisons, jails) if such actions violate existing federal or state laws. It imposes civil fines up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total) or criminal fines up to $50,000 for intentional violations. The law explicitly excludes lawful law enforcement activities and state enforcement powers, and defines "detention facility" broadly to include all correctional and penal institutions. It applies to conduct occurring after enactment.
Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FASD Respect Act, establishes a new federal program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The bill creates FASD Centers for Excellence to build state, tribal, and national capacity for prevention, identification, and support services - directly affecting individuals with FASD, their families, and healthcare providers. Key provisions include developing standardized diagnostic guidelines, expanding screening and training for medical professionals, creating a national resource directory for FASD services, and promoting culturally informed interventions. The program requires HHS to report to Congress on progress within four years. This legislation restructures existing HHS authority to focus comprehensively on FASD across the lifespan, replacing older terminology with consistent "FASD" references.
Maddy summaryThe Senior Legal Hotline Act of 2023 creates a federal grant program to fund statewide legal assistance hotlines for older adults. It authorizes $10 million annually (2024-2028) for competitive grants to nonprofit organizations or partnerships that establish free legal hotlines providing telephone-based counseling, referrals, and advocacy to seniors. These hotlines must prioritize older individuals with the greatest economic and social need, coordinate with state agencies and other legal aid providers, and ensure trained staff/volunteers serve all areas of the state. The bill directly affects seniors across all 50 states through expanded access to no-cost legal help for civil issues like housing, benefits, and elder abuse.
Maddy summaryThe FAIR Act (HR 4144) establishes a new income-driven repayment assistance plan that would limit borrowers' monthly payments to 10% of their adjusted gross income, with full loan forgiveness after 20 years of payments. It requires the Department of Education to provide borrowers with multiple notifications about repayment options, including the new income-driven plan, and creates new deferment options for borrowers facing economic hardship, medical issues, or military service. The bill modifies loan rehabilitation processes to allow borrowers to rehabilitate loans two times instead of one time and limits the Secretary's authority to issue regulations that could increase subsidy costs. This legislation directly affects borrowers of federal student loans made under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress the authority to ban physical acts that desecrate the U.S. flag, such as burning or trampling. If ratified by 38 states (three-fourths of all states), it would allow federal laws prohibiting such acts. The amendment does not currently prohibit flag desecration but seeks to change the Constitution to permit it. It would directly affect individuals engaging in physical flag desecration. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee and requires state ratification to become part of the Constitution.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses the House's support for 10 specific rights of youth in foster care, directly affecting young people aged 18-21 navigating the system. It affirms their right to remain in original schools, access health services (including mental health), live free from abuse, maintain sibling contact, and receive adequate food and housing. The resolution does not create new legal obligations but calls for child welfare agencies to uphold these standards, based on documented challenges like high school graduation gaps and trauma exposure.