Rep. Max L. Miller

Maddy summaryHR 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically identify firearms retailers as different from general stores or sporting goods retailers. This directly affects firearms retailers and payment networks by preventing them from using business classification codes that could flag firearm sales. The bill establishes an enforcement process where the Attorney General investigates complaints, issues remediation notices, and can seek court injunctions for non-compliance, while preempting state or local laws on this issue. It does not create private lawsuits for individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 7411, the Recover Pride in Service Act, requires the Department of Defense to automatically upgrade all military discharges based solely on sexual orientation to honorable status without veterans needing to apply. It directly affects veterans discharged under such policies, including those separated before September 20, 2011. Key provisions include amending review procedures to eliminate documentation requirements for veterans seeking review, establishing a Defense Outreach Unit to notify affected veterans within 60 days, and mandating a 5-year timeline for full implementation. The bill also requires annual progress reports to Congress on discharge upgrades and final reports detailing outcomes like the number of upgrades completed.

Maddy summaryHR 7386, the Career and Technical Education Advocacy Grant Program Act, creates a federal grant program to fund advocacy and awareness efforts by career and technical education (CTE) schools. It authorizes $1 million annually (2025-2030) for competitive grants to public or private CTE programs to run campaigns highlighting program benefits, share student success stories, and build community partnerships with businesses and local organizations. Eligible schools must submit applications detailing their initiatives and report annually on outcomes. The bill directly affects CTE schools seeking to increase public understanding of their programs’ value in preparing students for careers.

Maddy summaryHRES 966 is a symbolic resolution condemning alleged sexual violence committed by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It specifically references eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and Hamas fighters' admissions of ordering gang rape, sexual mutilation, and assault against Israeli civilians. The resolution calls for international condemnation of such acts as weapons of war, urges nations to criminalize sexual violence, and supports investigations into Hamas' actions. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals but formally expresses the House's position on the issue.

Maddy summaryHR 7257, the GLRI Act of 2024, reauthorizes federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It specifically adds $500 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to the existing program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This funding directly supports ongoing environmental restoration projects in the Great Lakes region, including pollution cleanup, habitat restoration, and invasive species management. The bill extends current funding levels for the next five years without altering program requirements or eligibility.

Maddy summaryHRES 993 is a non-binding congressional resolution designating February as "Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month" to celebrate CTE programs nationwide. It supports CTE as a pathway preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers in fields like infrastructure and technology, recognizing that over 12 million students currently participate in CTE programs across high schools and colleges. The resolution encourages educators, counselors, and parents to promote CTE as a respected educational option, highlighting its role in reducing high school dropout rates and aligning student skills with workforce needs. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but symbolically affirms bipartisan support for CTE, referencing the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act as foundational to current efforts.

Reducing Accidents In Locomotives Act or the RAIL Act This bill addresses safety requirements for rail carriers and trains transporting hazardous materials. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must issue safety regulations for trains carrying hazardous materials to require that rail carriers (1) provide state emergency response commissioners with advance notice and information about the hazardous materials; (2) reduce blocked rail crossings; and (3) comply with certain requirements regarding train length and weight specifications, track standards, speed restrictions, and response plans. DOT must also establish requirements for wayside defect detectors. These are used by railway systems alongside the tracks to detect defects and failures (e.g., wheel bearing failures). Current federal regulations do not require their use, but federal guidance does address their placement and use. Under the bill, DOT must issue regulations establishing requirements for the installation, repair, testing, maintenance, and operation of wayside defect detectors for each rail carrier operating a train carrying hazardous materials. Further, these regulations must establish requirements that safety placards be able to withstand heat in excess of 180 degrees. The bill also increases the maximum fines DOT may impose on rail carriers for violating safety regulations, requires DOT to update rail car inspection regulations and audit the federal inspection program, phases out certain railroad tank cars by May 1, 2028 (one year sooner than required under current law), expands training for local first responders, and imposes a new fee on certain rail carriers.

Maddy summaryHRES 977 is a symbolic resolution recognizing National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), with over 137,000 educators holding this credential nationwide. It supports designating National Board Certified Teacher Week, acknowledges NBCTs' role in improving student achievement (especially in high-need schools), and encourages schools and states to promote NBCT growth and provide support. The resolution highlights that NBCTs are linked to higher student learning gains, greater teacher retention, and increased earnings for students - though it does not create new policies or funding. It is a non-binding statement of appreciation, not a legislative change.

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 5973, the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act (CIAO Act), requires the USDA to regularly review and update organic standards. It mandates that the Secretary publish a public request for input every 5 years (starting 180 days after enactment) on which regulations should be prioritized for revision. Based on this input and recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board, the USDA must propose specific changes, seek public comment, and finalize updates within 5 years. This process directly affects organic farmers, processors, and the USDA, ensuring organic standards evolve using the latest environmental, market, and scientific data.