Rep. Randy K. Weber, Sr.

CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act This bill limits the ability of the Federal Reserve to (1) provide direct services to individuals, and (2) use a central bank digital currency. A central bank digital currency is a digital currency (e.g., Bitcoin or Ether) issued by a government-backed central bank. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Federal Reserve and the Federal Open Market Committee from using any central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy. In addition, a Federal Reserve bank is prohibited from offering products or services directly to an individual, maintaining an account on behalf of an individual, or issuing a central bank digital currency directly to an individual. The Federal Reserve must (1) consult with each Federal Reserve bank with respect to any central bank digital currency study or pilot program, and (2) issue quarterly reports on the findings and determinations of any such study or program.

Maddy summaryThe RISEE Act of 2023 creates a National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund to support coastal communities and ecosystems. It allocates 37.5% of offshore wind revenue directly to eligible coastal states using a formula based on tidal shoreline length, coastal population density, and distance from offshore wind projects. States must use these funds for coastal protection, habitat restoration, infrastructure, or fisheries research, with strict annual reporting requirements to the Department of the Interior. The bill prohibits using these funds for litigation or creating marine monuments, ensuring resources directly support coastal community needs.

Maddy summaryHR 356, the Unleashing American Energy Act, requires the federal government to hold annual offshore oil and gas lease sales in specific Gulf of Mexico regions and Alaska starting in 2023. It mandates that all unleased areas (not restricted by law) be included in these sales, following existing federal leasing rules. The bill also amends federal law to prevent the President from delaying or blocking these leasing processes without explicit congressional approval, creating a rebuttable presumption that such actions are unreasonable. This directly affects federal energy leasing programs and companies seeking offshore drilling rights.

Maddy summaryHR 150, the Protecting American Energy Production Act, gives states primary authority to regulate hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and gas on state and private lands, directly affecting state governments and energy producers. The bill requires states to maintain this regulatory role and blocks the President from imposing a fracking moratorium without explicit congressional approval. Key provisions include a Congressional "sense" statement affirming state primacy and a direct prohibition on presidential moratoriums unless authorized by a new law. This bill focuses on shifting regulatory power to states and limiting federal executive action on fracking, without specifying financial impacts or environmental standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require the U.S. to withhold funding for the UNRWA (United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians) unless the State Department certifies UNRWA staff, materials, and facilities comply with specific conditions. Key conditions include confirming no ties to terrorism or anti-Israel rhetoric (like denying Israel's right to exist or promoting BDS), no misuse of UNRWA resources for terrorist activities, and adherence to international financial audits. It also caps U.S. contributions to UNRWA at levels comparable to Arab League countries and mandates annual reports to Congress on phasing out UNRWA support. These changes directly affect U.S. foreign aid decisions for Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Second Chance at Life Act of 2023 This bill requires abortion providers to disclose information about the possibility of reversing a medication abortion. This is a procedure that uses a medication regimen to terminate a pregnancy, typically with a two-drug protocol. Providers must inform patients that it may be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion after taking the first drug. They must also let patients know that more information and assistance is available on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. At least 24 hours before the procedure, the provider must share this information with the patient in person or by telephone. The provider must also include the information in written discharge instructions after the first drug is dispensed. The bill sets out an exception to these notification requirements when an abortion is necessary to resolve a physical injury or condition that threatens the life of the woman. The provider must document the circumstances giving rise to the exception in the patient's medical file. Furthermore, providers must post signs with this information in their offices or facilities, and HHS must maintain information about reversing medication abortions on its website.

Maddy summaryHR 998, the 287(g) Program Protection Act, strengthens the federal program allowing state and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter written agreements with any state or local agency that requests them - without arbitrary denial, with 180 days' notice to Congress if denied - and to process requests within 90 days. It gives participating agencies flexibility to choose enforcement models (like jail or task force operations) and prohibits federal programs from replacing 287(g) agreements. The bill also adds strict rules preventing DHS from terminating agreements without compelling reasons and requires annual reports on program performance, including removal statistics and compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.

Protect Farmers from the SEC Act This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from requiring the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions related to agricultural products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to audit unspent funds from major pandemic relief packages - including the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan, and related bills - within 30 days of enactment. It mandates a report listing all unobligated funds remaining under these laws. The unspent amounts would then be automatically returned to the Treasury’s general fund for deficit reduction, with no further congressional action needed. The bill directly affects how the federal government handles leftover pandemic relief funds, focusing on accounting and fiscal responsibility rather than new program benefits.