Rep. David Kustoff

Maddy summaryThe Conscience Protection Act of 2024 would strengthen protections for health care providers, facilities, and organizations that refuse to participate in or provide coverage for abortions, assisted suicide, or other procedures conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs. It creates a private right of action allowing individuals or entities to sue when their conscience rights are violated, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce existing conscience protections through the Office for Civil Rights. The bill prohibits discrimination against health care entities that decline to provide or facilitate these services, while ensuring these protections don't interfere with emergency care requirements under existing law. It also establishes clearer enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to terminate federal funding for non-compliance with conscience protections.

Maddy summaryHR 8843, the American Music Tourism Act of 2024, amends the Visit America Act to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to identify and promote U.S. locations and events significant to music tourism for both domestic and international travelers. It requires the Assistant Secretary to specifically promote travel to music-related attractions (like museums, studios, and venues) and music festivals/concerts. The bill also defines "music tourism" as traveling to visit music sites or attend live music events. Finally, it mandates an annual report to Congress on progress toward these tourism goals, starting one year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 537 authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor 60 diplomats who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust by issuing visas and passports against their governments' orders, risking expulsion and personal danger. The medal will be presented to the next of kin of these diplomats, alongside representatives from their home countries, and permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This legislation recognizes the diplomats' humanitarian actions without creating new government programs or altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1285) is a symbolic statement by a group of House members condemning the Biden administration's approach to mifepristone (the abortion pill), specifically the 2023 FDA decision allowing mail-order and pharmacy dispensing of the drug without in-person provider visits. It argues this policy eliminates safety safeguards like in-person ultrasounds to detect ectopic pregnancies, gestational age checks, and provider screening for coercion, potentially increasing health risks for patients. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but expresses disapproval of the FDA’s regulatory changes regarding mifepristone distribution. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect on abortion access or drug regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 8653 authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie, a U.S. Army officer who died during the Battle of Normandy in WWII. The bill specifies the medal will be presented to his nephew, Tom Howie, or his next of kin, and then permanently displayed at The Citadel Museum. It also permits the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs. This is a commemorative measure honoring Major Howie's military service and sacrifice, with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing or facilitating central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly to individuals through financial institutions. It specifically bans Federal Reserve banks from offering digital products to individuals, maintaining individual accounts, or using CBDC for monetary policy implementation. The bill also clarifies that its restrictions do not apply to existing physical cash or private, permissionless digital payment systems. This bill directly affects the Federal Reserve's ability to develop or deploy a government-run digital dollar. The law aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from creating a digital currency that could enable transaction tracking or government oversight of personal financial activity.

Maddy summaryThe Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (HR 620) requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director to annually submit a budget estimate for Alzheimer’s-related initiatives - including personnel needs - directly to the President for review and then to Congress. This budget must be prepared after public comment and submitted without changes by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Advisory Council. The bill directly affects the NIH’s budget reporting process for Alzheimer’s research and programs, mandating transparency in how funds are allocated. It does not change funding levels but establishes a specific annual reporting mechanism to improve accountability.

Maddy summaryHRES 1255 is a non-binding House resolution introduced on May 23, 2024, that calls on all Americans to observe Memorial Day 2024 as a day of remembrance for military personnel who died in service. The resolution specifically honors "the men and women of the Armed Forces who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace" and urges the public to demonstrate appreciation for their sacrifices. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic expression of national gratitude, emphasizing respect for those who died while defending democratic values. The resolution was co-sponsored by multiple House members and aligns with the traditional observance of Memorial Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the federal tax credit for employers providing child care by raising the base credit percentage from 25% to 40% of eligible expenses. It creates tiered rates: 50% for small businesses (with 500 or fewer employees annually) and 60% for facilities in designated census tracts. The credit is capped at $1.2 million per employer annually, with total eligible expenses limited to $2 million. It also requires the Treasury Department to launch a public awareness campaign within one year to inform eligible employers about the credit and filing procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department to immediately deliver all previously approved military equipment and services to Israel within 15 days, reversing any pauses on arms transfers. It prohibits using federal funds to withhold, halt, or cancel defense article deliveries to Israel and mandates that unobligated security assistance funds for Israel must be spent by the end of 30 days. The bill also requires monthly reports to Congress detailing all security assistance provided to Israel since October 7, 2023, including specific items delivered and funding sources. The law directly affects U.S. agencies responsible for military aid and Israel as the recipient of the security assistance.