Rep. Andrew Ogles

Maddy summaryThe Justice for American Women and Children Act of 2024 would amend federal law to allow the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape or aggravated sexual abuse while in the United States without legal immigration status. It specifically adds this as a sentencing option under Sections 2241 and 2242 of Title 18 when the offender lacks lawful immigration status. The bill does not change penalties for these crimes when the offender has legal status. This provision directly affects non-citizens who commit these violent offenses in the U.S. without legal immigration authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through fiscal year 2026. It extends the commission's funding authorization from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 and delays the expiration date of its statutory authorization from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2026. The bill directly affects USCIRF by ensuring its continued operation and funding without altering its existing mandate or reporting requirements. It is a procedural extension, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, allows individuals to sue federal employees who, while acting in their official capacity, deny others their First Amendment rights (such as free speech or assembly). It directly affects federal employees (excluding the President/Vice President) who may restrict protected expression under federal law. Key provisions create a private right of action for victims to seek legal redress in court, with courts able to award attorney fees to the winning party. The bill explicitly excludes lawsuits against the federal government for employment-related conduct and clarifies that unconstitutional sections won’t invalidate the rest of the law.

Maddy summaryHR 8985, the Preventing Forced Abortions Act of 2024, prohibits federal courts from enforcing any surrogacy contract clause requiring a surrogate mother to have an abortion at the request of intended parents or their agents. The bill mandates courts to enforce payment to the surrogate for her services, regardless of any contract term tied to abortion, including clauses penalizing refusal (like reduced pay or liquidated damages). It directly affects surrogacy agreements between intended parents and surrogate mothers, ensuring surrogates cannot be forced to undergo abortions against their will while protecting their contractual compensation. The law defines "abortion" as intentionally terminating a pregnancy except in specific medical circumstances, such as after fetal viability or removing a non-viable fetus.

Maddy summaryHRES 1340 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the University of Tennessee, Knoxville baseball team for winning the 2024 College World Series - their first national championship in program history. The resolution honors the team's achievements, including being the first Southeastern Conference team to win 60 games in a season, and directs the House Clerk to send copies to the head coach, university chancellor, and athletic director. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the team's victory and support from fans and Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHR 4132 would require the U.S. to impose sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for forced organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners, including blocking their property and denying visas. It mandates a report on China's organ transplant system within one year, assessing organ sources, procurement timelines, and whether persecution of Falun Gong constitutes an atrocity. The bill directs the U.S. to avoid all cooperation with China's organ transplantation system while the Chinese Communist Party remains in power. It cites findings of systemic persecution and alleged organ harvesting as justification for these policy measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents student athletes (and former athletes) from being classified as employees under federal or state law solely due to their participation in varsity intercollegiate sports programs or competitions. It directly affects college athletes whose eligibility or participation might otherwise be challenged under employment law. The key provision explicitly states that institutions, conferences, or associations cannot consider athletes as employees based on their sports involvement, regardless of existing rules or requirements. This is a definitional and legal clarification, not a new benefit or compensation measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for elementary and secondary schools that partner with Chinese government-funded programs, including Confucius Institutes, Confucius Classrooms, or other entities receiving support from China's government (e.g., through teaching materials, personnel, or funds). It directly affects schools with these specific ties to the People's Republic of China. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, with the Education Secretary required to notify schools and provide compliance guidance within 90 days of enactment. The policy change blocks federal education funds for schools meeting the defined criteria, without altering existing educational content or curriculum standards.

Maddy summaryHRES 1336 is a House resolution requesting Vice President Kamala Harris to initiate Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. It asks her to convene Cabinet officers to formally declare President Biden unable to carry out presidential duties and assume acting presidential powers. The resolution is procedural and has no legal effect - it only makes a formal request to the Vice President. It does not change any laws or require action from the President or Cabinet.

Maddy summaryHR 8889, the Sunset Chevron Act, requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to compile a list of federal court decisions that upheld agency rules using Chevron deference (a legal doctrine where courts defer to agency interpretations of laws) and are still in effect. The GAO must organize this list by agency and assign each rule a sunset date - 30 days after the list's publication for the most recent rule, with older rules getting sunsets 30 days apart. This bill directly affects federal agencies whose rules are included in the GAO's list, as it triggers automatic expiration of those rules after specific dates. The key mechanism is the mandatory GAO review and the automatic sunset schedule, not new regulations or policy changes. The bill does not alter Chevron deference itself but creates a timeline for existing rules upheld under it to expire.