Rep. Tom Cole

Maddy summaryHRES 730 is a procedural resolution that sets rules for debating three separate federal funding bills in the House. It waives objections to consideration, limits debate to 30 minutes equally divided, and specifies one amendment to the Defense appropriations bill (H.R. 4365) and another to the Homeland Security bill (H.R. 4367). The key policy provision in the Homeland Security bill amendment allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily increase H-2B visa caps for temporary nonagricultural workers under specific conditions. This resolution does not fund programs itself but streamlines the legislative process for these appropriations measures.

Maddy summaryHRES 712 is a procedural resolution that sets rules for the House to consider three separate items: (1) defense funding (H.R. 4365), (2) natural gas export rules (H.R. 1130), and (3) a resolution condemning New Mexico's governor (H. Res. 684). It establishes time limits for debate, waives objections to amendments, and outlines the process for voting on these items. The resolution itself does not change policy but streamlines how Congress will handle these specific bills and resolutions.

Maddy summaryHRES 684 is a symbolic congressional resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 14, 2023, condemning New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's emergency order that temporarily suspended open and concealed carry firearm rights for 30 days. The resolution asserts the order violated the Second Amendment, citing Supreme Court precedents (Heller, McDonald, Bruen) and noting a federal judge had already blocked the order's firearm restrictions. It does not change any laws or impose legal consequences - it is solely a formal expression of disapproval from Congress. The resolution directly addresses the Governor's actions but has no effect on New Mexico's laws or citizens' rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides federal retirement benefits to educators at tribal schools. It makes employees of tribally controlled schools eligible for the same federal retirement pension (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) as other federal employees. The Bureau of Indian Affairs will pay the government's share of these contributions. This directly affects educators working at tribal schools operating under specific federal contracts or grants, such as those under the Indian Self-Determination Act or Tribally Controlled Schools Act.

Maddy summaryHRES 680 is a procedural resolution that sets rules for the House of Representatives to consider two specific bills. It enables the House to debate and vote on H.R. 1435 (which would amend the Clean Air Act to prevent banning internal combustion engine vehicles) and H.R. 4365 (which funds the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2024). The resolution waives objections to these bills, limits debate time (1 hour equally split between committee leaders), and specifies how amendments may be offered. This resolution directly affects House members and committees by streamlining the process for these two bills' consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Maddy summaryHR 5419, the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to exclude direct sellers (like door-to-door sales representatives) and qualified real estate agents from the federal definition of "employee." This change means these workers would no longer be automatically covered by federal minimum wage and overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill directly affects individuals working in these specific roles by altering their legal classification under labor law. The key provision is a new definition inserted into existing law, aligning labor classification with existing tax code definitions for these professions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal funding rules for Title X family planning services. It prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring any State, clinic, or organization receiving Title X funds to provide abortion counseling or referrals as a condition of receiving that funding. The law directly affects all Title X grantees - clinics and providers that receive federal funds for preventive reproductive health services. The key provision ensures that funding eligibility cannot be tied to abortion-related services or referrals.

Maddy summaryHR 5113, the REACH Our Tribes Act, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish an annual consultation process with Tribal Governments on budget requests and program reauthorizations (like farm bills), including 30 days' notice before meetings and public reports summarizing discussions and responses. It also mandates USDA to publicly report on funding provided to Tribal entities through its programs and improve outreach for underutilized programs. Additionally, the bill creates an interagency task force to streamline application requirements for economic development programs and a public online repository listing all federal economic development programs available to tribes. These provisions directly affect Tribal Governments and Tribal entities (including tribes, tribal organizations, and businesses) by enhancing their input in budget decisions and improving access to federal resources.

This resolution honors and recognizes the patriotism and contributions made by generations of veterans service organizations, veteran advocacy groups, and volunteers and commends the members of such organizations for their dedicated service to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and their communities. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to promote awareness of the contributions and dedication of members of veterans service, organizations, veteran advocacy groups, and volunteers to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. Additionally, the resolution calls on citizens to follow the example of such groups and volunteer support and services to those who have served the country.