Rep. Andrew Ogles

Maddy summaryHRES 1457 is a symbolic House resolution (introduced September 17, 2024) that condemns Vice President Kamala Harris for her past statements and policy positions related to law enforcement and criminal justice. The resolution cites specific past remarks by Harris (as a U.S. Senator) regarding policing, immigration, and criminal justice reform - including supporting decriminalizing immigration, opposing ICE, and endorsing bail reform groups - and claims these policies "encouraged lawlessness." It does not create new laws or affect anyone legally, as it is purely a non-binding expression of disapproval. The resolution has no policy impact or enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryHR 9617, the KAMALA Act, prohibits federal housing and community development grants from being used to assist individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the U.S. (specifically, those not admitted for permanent residence under immigration law). This directly affects state and local governments, municipalities, and tribal entities receiving federal housing funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, preventing them from using those funds for housing or community programs aiding undocumented immigrants. The bill amends two sections of the 1974 Act: it blocks grant funds from assisting undocumented people (Section 105) and bars grants to any recipient entity that provides such assistance (Section 103). These changes apply to all fiscal years starting in 2024 and later.

Maddy summaryHR 1425, the "No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act," requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness treaty through a two-thirds vote. The bill deems any convention, agreement, or international instrument on pandemic prevention drafted by the WHO’s International Negotiating Body (INB) as a treaty subject to Senate ratification, rather than allowing it to take effect as an executive agreement. This directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation regarding WHO agreements, ensuring Congress has a formal role in approving such binding international commitments. The bill stems from congressional concerns about WHO’s pandemic response and public skepticism toward the organization, as outlined in its findings.

Maddy summaryHJRES 203 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have changed procedures for union representation elections in the construction industry. The rule, published in August 2024, aimed to modify how employers prove majority support for unions and handle election bars during bargaining relationships. This resolution invokes the statutory disapproval process under federal law to prevent the rule from taking effect. If enacted, it would stop the NLRB from implementing these specific election procedures, directly affecting construction employers, unions, and workers involved in representation votes.

Maddy summaryThe Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act (HR 1076) requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how criminal groups finance synthetic drug trafficking into the U.S., including the use of social media platforms and payment apps like CashApp. The study will examine business models, money laundering tactics, government efforts to disrupt these networks, and overlaps with human trafficking. It must be completed within one year of enactment, with findings reported to Congress. This bill does not change existing laws but aims to provide data to inform future policy decisions on combating illicit drug finance.

Maddy summaryHR 9575, the Affordable Housing for Veterans Act, directly affects veterans using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans by changing the timeline for eliminating loan fees. The bill amends VA regulations to end these fees by October 1, 2024 (instead of November 15, 2031), reducing costs for veterans securing VA-backed mortgages. It also includes a separate provision rescinding $4.8 billion in unobligated IRS funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The core policy change is the accelerated elimination of VA home loan fees, impacting veterans seeking home purchases with VA financing. The rescission of IRS funds is unrelated to veterans' housing provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 9534, the National Constitutional Carry Act, would prohibit states and localities from banning or restricting the public carrying of legally owned firearms by eligible U.S. citizens. It directly affects all gun owners who meet federal and state possession requirements, removing the need for permits or licenses to carry in public spaces. Key provisions state that any state law restricting public carry - such as requiring permits or imposing financial barriers - would be invalidated, with exceptions for privately-owned businesses that clearly prohibit firearms or locations with security screening. The bill bases this on Supreme Court rulings affirming the constitutional right to carry firearms for self-defense outside the home.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1434) recognizes the Scarboro 85 - a group of 85 African-American students from Oak Ridge, Tennessee - as the first to integrate public schools in the Southeastern United States following the Supreme Court's 1954 *Brown v. Board of Education* decision. It specifically honors their peaceful integration of Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High on September 6, 1955, and acknowledges their leadership in desegregating schools across the region. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates their historical role in advancing educational equality. It was introduced by Tennessee congressional representatives and references community support from local churches.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing reporting requirement in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. It changes the provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to submit annual reports on counter-illicit cross-border tunnel operations, rather than just one report after developing a strategic plan. The bill does not create new programs or alter border security policy; it only modifies the frequency of required reporting. This procedural change directly affects the Department of Homeland Security's reporting obligations.

Maddy summaryHJRES 167 cancels a U.S. Department of Agriculture rule that would have allowed electronic eartags as official identification for cattle and bison. The resolution directs that the rule published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 39540), has no force or effect. This directly affects ranchers and farmers who would have been required to use electronic identification systems for livestock. The bill halts the implementation of this specific regulatory change without creating new requirements.