Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Maddy summaryHJRES 123 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule published on March 11, 2024, which would have required chemical facilities to implement new safety measures under the Clean Air Act to prevent accidental releases. The rule, titled "Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention," aimed to strengthen existing risk management programs at chemical plants. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking a federal process for disapproving agency regulations. It directly affects the EPA's regulatory authority and the chemical industry's compliance obligations under the Clean Air Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. federal funds from being provided to international financial institutions (like the World Bank) if those funds could finance foreign shrimp farming, processing, or shrimp exports. It directly affects international financial institutions receiving U.S. funding, requiring them to avoid supporting foreign shrimp operations. The bill also mandates an annual report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to Congress on whether U.S. representatives at these institutions are following this restriction. The key mechanism is conditioning U.S. financial support on the institutions' adherence to this prohibition.

Maddy summaryHR 7900, the EPA Accountability to Farm Country Act, requires the Secretary of Agriculture to review EPA publications (like regulations or guidance) within 30 days if they could significantly impact farm production, food prices, or the agricultural economy. If a major economic impact is found, a review panel - including four farmer representatives from diverse regions - must analyze the rule and produce a report within 60 days, including cost estimates and recommendations. The EPA cannot finalize such rules until it implements the panel's recommendations to reduce negative economic effects on agriculture. This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and food producers by giving them a formal role in shaping EPA regulations that impact their operations.

Maddy summaryHR 7810, the Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act, sets a new limit on instructional hours for certain vocational training programs preparing students for recognized professions (like nursing or cosmetology). It requires that such programs, which already meet state minimums, cannot exceed 150% of either the state's or a federal agency's minimum hour requirement for that profession. This rule applies to determine eligibility for federal student aid under the Higher Education Act. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond.

Maddy summaryHR 7770, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell three commemorative coins honoring women who worked on the U.S. home front during World War II. It specifies $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all to be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar), with all surcharge funds directed to the Rosie the Riveter Trust for maintaining the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. The coins will feature designs reflecting the legacy of diverse women workers and must meet specific weight, diameter, and composition standards.

Maddy summaryHR 6610, the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act, aims to reduce delays in U.S. passport processing for citizens applying for routine new or renewal passports. It mandates a 30-day processing standard from document submission to mailing, requires technology upgrades like digital tracking dashboards and mobile apps for applicant updates, and authorizes hiring up to 100 temporary staff annually for passport offices. The bill also sets cybersecurity standards, maintains affordable fees, and requires regular progress reports to Congress on implementation. These changes directly affect U.S. citizens seeking passports, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to processing centers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1086) is a symbolic gesture expressing the House's support for designating March 19, 2024, as "National Agriculture Day." It does not create new laws or policies, but instead formally recognizes agriculture as a vital industry in the U.S. economy. The resolution celebrates agriculture's broad economic impact without imposing any requirements or changes on farmers, consumers, or government programs. It is a commemorative statement, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryHR 7725 would block federal funding for graduate medical schools that require students or staff to adopt specific statements about race, gender, or identity (like claiming systemic racism or collective guilt), use race-based distinctions in admissions or programs, maintain DEI offices, or mandate "diversity statements" for admission. It directly affects graduate medical schools at colleges/universities receiving federal financial aid, including student loans. The bill exempts medical education about race-related health needs, demographic data collection for reporting, and religious institutions from adhering to policies conflicting with their beliefs. Schools violating these rules would lose eligibility for federal funds, though they could still comply with anti-discrimination laws and provide general academic instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the FAA Administrator to conduct a safety review within 180 days of enactment to address airport ramp worker safety. The review will examine FAA regulations, accident reports, training materials, communication methods, ramp markings, and jet blast safety protocols, with input from airlines, airports, labor, and safety experts. Within 6 months after the review, the FAA must develop and publish new training materials specifically about engine ingestion and jet blast hazards for ground crews. The bill directly affects ramp workers, airlines, airports, and safety oversight by mandating a structured review process to identify risks and improve safety practices.

Maddy summaryHR 4278, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2023, establishes new disciplinary procedures for VA supervisors and management officials (excluding senior executives and political appointees). It requires the VA Secretary to use "substantial evidence" for removal, demotion, or suspension, sets strict timelines (15 business days total for decisions), and creates a new internal grievance process. The bill limits judicial review to procedural errors, not penalty severity, and strengthens whistleblower protections by requiring Office of Special Counsel approval for disciplinary actions involving disclosures. This directly affects VA supervisors and managers whose performance or misconduct leads to disciplinary action.