Rep. Bob Good

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 117 is a joint resolution that would disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning the reconsideration of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, was part of the agency’s process to review these standards, which set limits for harmful air pollutants. This resolution invokes a congressional disapproval procedure under federal law to block the rule from taking effect. If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect, preserving the existing air quality standards for particulate matter.

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 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 summaryHR 8282, the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign individuals or entities supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating or prosecuting "protected persons." Protected persons include U.S. military personnel, officials, and allied personnel (from non-ICC member countries) who are not under ICC jurisdiction. The bill requires the President to block assets and deny visas to targeted foreign persons and their immediate family members within 60 days of the ICC attempting such actions. It mandates congressional notification of sanctions and allows termination if the ICC ceases all such efforts against protected persons. The law focuses on restricting U.S. economic and travel access to ICC supporters targeting specific U.S. and allied personnel.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives states the option to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for specific items. States may ban purchases of sugary drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts like cakes or cookies using SNAP benefits. The Secretary of Agriculture will maintain a list of these restricted items, but states can implement bans without federal approval or additional reporting. This change directly affects SNAP participants in states that choose to adopt such restrictions, altering which food items can be bought with benefits.

Maddy summaryHJRES 165 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule issued in April 2024 that updated protections against sex discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. The resolution aims to disapprove this specific rule (published as 89 Fed. Reg. 33474), which would have required schools to address sex-based discrimination in educational programs. If passed, the rule would no longer be in effect, meaning schools would not need to comply with its requirements. This resolution directly affects all schools and educational programs receiving federal financial assistance, as it targets the implementation of the new nondiscrimination standard.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act (HR 8281) requires U.S. citizens to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like passports, REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs, or birth certificates, and mandates that states verify citizenship using information from government agencies like DHS and Social Security. States must establish processes for voters without required documentation to provide an attestation under penalty of perjury. The law also requires states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls when verified evidence shows they're not citizens. This bill directly affects all applicants registering to vote in federal elections and state election officials who must implement these requirements.