Rep. Michael Lawler

Maddy summaryThe Stop CMV Act of 2024 requires hospitals and healthcare entities caring for infants under 21 days old to administer congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening tests. It mandates states to establish screening standards within two years of enactment, with federal oversight by the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders if states fail to act. The bill allocates federal grants to states for implementing screening, improving data systems, and funding research on CMV diagnostics, prevention, and treatments through the National Institutes of Health. These provisions directly affect newborns, hospitals, and state health agencies by standardizing early CMV detection and supporting related public health efforts.

Maddy summaryThe PACE Act creates a federal grant program to fund state, tribal, and local efforts preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and promoting positive childhood experiences for children under 18. It requires grant recipients to use data-driven strategies, coordinate multi-sector partnerships, and prioritize populations with high ACE burdens, including communities disproportionately affected by historical trauma. The bill also mandates CDC research on ACEs and positive experiences, including longitudinal studies and analysis of factors like trauma exposure and community conditions. Annual reports to Congress will track program performance, with priority given to tribal organizations and entities with prior ACE prevention experience.

Maddy summaryHR 7577, the CHEERS Act, creates a new tax deduction for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues by expanding eligibility under the energy efficiency tax code (Section 179D). It defines "qualified energy-efficient draft property" as stainless steel or aluminum containers and tap equipment used for alcohol distribution in these businesses, treating them as eligible for the existing energy efficiency tax deduction. This change applies to equipment placed in service after the bill's enactment date, directly benefiting hospitality businesses that own or lease such equipment. The provision modifies existing tax code language without creating new tax rates or altering other regulations.

Maddy summaryThe DEFIANCE Act of 2024 creates a federal civil remedy for individuals whose intimate images are disclosed without consent or who are victims of digital forgeries (computer-generated or altered images appearing authentic). It allows victims to sue in federal court for up to $150,000 in damages, attorney fees, and court orders to stop further disclosure, provided the act occurred in interstate commerce. The law includes privacy protections like pseudonyms and sealed court filings, and sets a 10-year statute of limitations from the date of discovery or the victim’s 18th birthday. It explicitly preserves state laws that offer stronger protections for victims.

Maddy summaryHR 7566, the CARTEL Act of 2024, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to publish monthly public reports on border statistics, including encounters with individuals in the terrorist screening database (both attempts and apprehensions) and those affiliated with transnational criminal organizations. The bill mandates specific data points like total encounters, drug seizures, gang affiliations, and whether apprehended individuals were released or removed. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit an annual report to Congress assessing foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations attempting to enter the U.S. through border regions. This bill directly affects CBP (as the reporting entity) and provides the public and Congress with detailed, monthly border enforcement data.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Preventing Maternal Deaths program through 2028, extending existing provisions under the Public Health Service Act. It requires maternal mortality review committees to include obstetricians and gynecologists and improves death certificate accuracy by directing coordination with death certifiers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must annually share evidence-based best practices for preventing maternal mortality with hospitals, state health groups, and perinatal quality collaboratives. The changes directly affect state maternal mortality review committees, healthcare providers, and hospitals receiving CDC guidance. The bill does not create new funding but extends the current program's authorization period from 2019-2023 to 2024-2028.

Maddy summaryHR 7122 prohibits the U.S. government from making any funding contributions - whether voluntary or mandatory - to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), its successors, or the UN's regular budget when used to support UNRWA. This bill directly affects U.S. federal budget allocations and international aid programs by banning all financial support for UNRWA operations. The key provision is a complete stop to U.S. funding, eliminating both direct payments to UNRWA and indirect support through the UN's general budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal interagency committee led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy to coordinate soil carbon research and monitoring across 11 agencies, including Agriculture, Energy, EPA, and NOAA. The committee must develop a strategic plan, create standardized measurement protocols, submit regular reports to Congress, and engage agricultural communities - especially historically underserved groups - in research design. It also creates working groups focused on monitoring standards, data management, research gaps, and community outreach. The bill authorizes $10 million in funding to implement these coordination efforts.

Maddy summaryHRES 1041 is a non-binding resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 29, 2024, that condemns the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) January 26, 2024, order requiring Israel to report on measures taken to comply with provisional measures related to South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The resolution specifically condemns the ICJ's order and South Africa's case, asserts Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, and calls on the U.S. President to direct the Secretary of State to intervene in support of Israel. It does not impose legal requirements or alter policy, as resolutions like this express congressional opinion only.

Maddy summaryHR 7361, the Flowers for Fallen Heroes Act of 2024, requires the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a low-cost program allowing the public to order flowers for military gravesites at Commission-managed cemeteries. The bill mandates the Commission to partner with third-party florists (without excess fees) and create a user-friendly website and phone system for ordering by one year after enactment. It also authorizes credit card and electronic payment processing for these orders, with customers responsible for any third-party processing fees, and requires annual reports to Congress detailing program implementation, including order data and florist engagement. This bill directly affects the public seeking to honor fallen service members and the Commission’s operations at 25 overseas military cemeteries.