Rep. Jeff Duncan

Maddy summaryHR 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, amends federal law to strengthen penalties for individuals or organizations charging veterans unauthorized fees when helping with VA benefit claims. It directly affects veterans seeking assistance with VA claims and the representatives (like advocates or attorneys) who might charge them fees. The bill adds a new provision making it a violation to solicit, charge, or receive any fee for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA claims, punishable by fines under Title 18. This change specifically targets unauthorized fee-charging while excluding fees covered under existing exceptions in sections 5904 or 1984 of the law.

Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act This bill increases the monthly income limit that is used to determine whether certain Purple Heart recipients are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Specifically, when making such determinations with respect to Purple Heart recipients who are entitled to SSDI benefits based on combat-related injuries, the Social Security Administration must use the limit that applies to individuals who are blind rather than the lower limit that applies to other SSDI recipients. In addition, the bill phases out SSDI benefits for these Purple Heart recipients, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $4 of earnings in excess of the limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges receiving federal funds under the Higher Education Act from denying religious student groups equal access to campus facilities and official recognition that is available to other student organizations. It directly affects public institutions of higher education that receive federal funding, requiring them to treat religious groups the same as secular groups regarding access to spaces and official status. The key provision states that schools cannot withhold these rights based on a group's religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct. The law aims to ensure religious student organizations have the same opportunities as non-religious groups on campus.

Maddy summaryHR 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act, would require public schools receiving federal funding to provide parents with greater access to educational information. The bill mandates that schools post curricula online or widely distribute it to parents, include school budgets in report cards, and provide specific information about school activities including violent incidents and plans to eliminate gifted programs. It also guarantees parents the right to meet with teachers twice a year, review library materials, and address school boards. These requirements would apply to all local educational agencies and schools covered by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill amends existing education laws to strengthen parental transparency and involvement in their children's education.

Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order Act or the EL CHAPO Act This bill requires the forfeited profits of Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera (El Chapo) from his illicit drug trafficking enterprise to be reserved for border security measures between the United States and Mexico, including the completion of a wall. Additionally, it requires the forfeited funds from the felony conviction of a member of a drug cartel to be reserved for border security measures between the United States and Mexico, including the completion of a wall.

No Partisan Radio and Partisan Broadcasting Services Act or the NPR and PBS Act This bill prohibits federal funding of National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), including by prohibiting the use of federal funds received by a public broadcast station to pay dues to or purchase programming from NPR or PBS.

Maddy summaryHR 1637 establishes a Medicare pilot program called the Dementia Care Management Model to improve care for beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. It requires participating providers to offer comprehensive services - including continuous monitoring, personalized care plans, medication management, and caregiver support - while excluding hospice care. Payments are made monthly based on patient needs (with pathways for uncomplicated vs. complex cases) and include quality-based bonuses, with no cost-sharing for beneficiaries. The model tests whether this approach improves health outcomes, care quality, and caregiver support while reducing Medicare spending, targeting Medicare beneficiaries not in nursing homes or hospice who meet specific diagnosis and enrollment criteria.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 17 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing that the U.S. Congress believes the federal government should not impose restrictions on crude oil or petroleum product exports. It cites the 2015 repeal of export bans, U.S. growth as a top oil producer, and 2019 status as a net petroleum exporter as reasons for this position. The resolution specifically urges against overly restrictive regulations on energy production and any export restrictions under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. It does not change existing law but formally states congressional sentiment on this policy matter.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 14 is a concurrent resolution expressing Congress's disapproval of President Biden's 2021 revocation of the Presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, which had been granted in 2019 to TransCanada (now TC Energy). The resolution has no legal effect but formally states the House's opposition to the executive action that canceled the pipeline project's permit. Introduced on February 7, 2023, it serves as a symbolic statement without altering any policy or affecting any entity.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 30 seeks to block a Department of Labor rule that would have required retirement plan managers (like those handling 401(k)s) to follow strict "prudence and loyalty" standards when selecting investments and voting on company matters. The rule, published in December 2022, aimed to protect retirement savings by ensuring fiduciaries prioritize participants' interests. This resolution, if passed, would prevent the rule from taking effect, avoiding new compliance requirements for retirement plan managers and sponsors. It directly affects retirement plan administrators and the millions of participants in these plans.