Rep. Bill Johnson

Maddy summaryThe Death Tax Repeal Act would eliminate the federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax for estates of people who die on or after the bill's enactment date, and for generation-skipping transfers made after that date. It would also establish a new $10 million lifetime gift tax exemption (adjusted annually for inflation) and replace the existing gift tax rate schedule with a revised structure. These changes would primarily affect high-net-worth individuals and their heirs, as the estate tax and gift tax typically apply to large estates or gifts exceeding the new exemption threshold. The bill's provisions would take effect on the date of enactment, with transitional rules for the year the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHR 6734 prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rule (2022R-17) defining "engaged in the business as a dealer in firearms." This bill directly affects the ATF by blocking funding for this specific regulatory rule, which was proposed in August 2023. The legislation does not create new requirements but prevents federal resources from being used to advance this particular ATF regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and extends funding for programs addressing substance use disorders and opioid addiction, including residential treatment for pregnant and postpartum women, first responder training, and community recovery initiatives. It increases funding levels for these programs, adds xylazine to Schedule III of controlled substances, and requires a study on remote monitoring for patients prescribed opioids. The bill also expands Medicaid coverage requirements for medication-assisted treatment and mandates reporting on mental health condition data alongside substance use disorder data, directly affecting individuals with substance use disorders, healthcare providers, and state and tribal governments.

Maddy summaryHRES 926 is a non-binding House resolution expressing U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s peaceful, democratic, and economic goals. It urges the Sri Lankan government to hold free local elections without delay, respect protest rights, and reform security forces by removing officials linked to human rights abuses. The resolution also calls for implementing anticorruption measures, repealing restrictive laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and addressing land appropriation in Tamil-majority regions. It emphasizes accountability for past abuses and aligns with international efforts like the IMF’s $3 billion loan conditions.

Maddy summaryHR 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, blocks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule setting emissions standards for 2027+ light-duty vehicles. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future EPA regulations from mandating specific vehicle technologies or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects EPA rulemaking authority and automakers' compliance with emissions standards, ensuring new vehicle options remain diverse without technology mandates. This is a procedural change to federal emissions regulations, not a direct consumer or industry mandate.

Maddy summaryThe BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act (HR 6628) allows the Bureau of Prisons to hire qualified candidates for positions that would normally require competitive hiring without following standard federal hiring procedures, such as public announcements or competitive exams. This directly affects the Bureau of Prisons' ability to fill vacancies at its facilities more quickly. The authority expires once 96% of competitive service positions across all Bureau of Prisons facilities are filled. The bill changes the hiring process for existing positions but does not alter the total number of positions available.

Maddy summaryHR 5398, the Advancing Tech Startups Act, requires the Commerce Secretary to conduct a study on the economic impact of technology startups in the U.S. The study mandates surveys of startup locations, incubators, public-private partnerships, federal agency oversight, and supply chain risks affecting startups. It does not create new laws or funding but directs a report to Congress within 6 months, including recommendations for future policies to support startup growth. The bill directly affects federal agencies coordinating the study and will inform potential future legislation, though it has no immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 888 is a non-binding House resolution introduced on November 21, 2023, by multiple representatives. It formally reaffirms the State of Israel's right to exist, states that denying this right constitutes antisemitism, and rejects calls for Israel's destruction. The resolution also condemns the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel. As a symbolic statement, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group directly.

Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Hamas to immediately release all 199 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution condemns Hamas for the attack, the taking of hostages, and threats against hostages, while stating that holding hostages violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. It demands the immediate release of all hostages and expresses sympathy for victims and their families. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create legal obligations but formally expresses the House's position.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning November 13, 2023, as "National Apprenticeship Week" through symbolic congressional support. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the value of registered apprenticeships in providing paid on-the-job training, industry credentials, and career pathways. The resolution highlights apprenticeships' role in developing skilled workers, supporting high-wage sectors like healthcare and green energy, and promoting diversity in training opportunities. It aims to increase public awareness of apprenticeships as an effective "earn-and-learn" model for workers and employers.