Rep. Harriet M. Hageman

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 8433) requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to select grant and award recipients based solely on the scientific merit and research benefits of proposals, prohibiting the use of mandatory diversity statements as a condition for funding. It directly affects researchers and institutions applying for NIH grants by banning requirements for applicants to submit statements about their race, gender, diversity experiences, or views on social justice topics. The bill defines "diversity statements" broadly to include any documentation discussing race, gender identity, anti-racism, or related concepts as a qualification. This policy change eliminates a specific application requirement for NIH funding, though it allows NIH to still collect demographic data for research purposes.

Maddy summaryHJRES 154 is a resolution seeking to block a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rule that would have updated the process for leasing federal lands for oil and gas extraction. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 23, 2024, specifically addressed "Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process" (89 Fed. Reg. 30916). If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from taking effect. This action would directly impact the BLM's regulatory authority and oil and gas companies operating on federal lands.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 157 seeks to disapprove a rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that would have updated how marine species are listed as endangered or threatened and critical habitats are designated under the Endangered Species Act. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 24300), aimed to change implementation procedures for marine species protections. If enacted, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving current listing and habitat designation practices. This is a standard congressional disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code for challenging federal agency rules.

Maddy summaryHJRES 159 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule that would have updated regulations for protecting endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. If enacted, it would block the rule from taking effect, meaning current regulations would remain in place without the proposed changes. The rule in question was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 23919).

Maddy summaryHJRES 158 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule published on April 5, 2024, that would have updated how endangered and threatened species are listed and critical habitats designated. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect under the Congressional Review Act, preventing changes to the agency’s regulatory approach for wildlife conservation. The rule directly affected the management of protections for at-risk species and their habitats by altering listing and habitat designation procedures. This disapproval action halts the proposed regulatory changes without altering existing conservation laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the 2022 Camp Lejeune Justice Act to clarify and correct technical details. It updates eligibility requirements for claimants (requiring 30 days at Camp Lejeune and defining "latent harm" instead of "latent disease"), clarifies court jurisdiction for cases, and specifies attorney fee structures (20% pre-litigation, 25% post-litigation). The changes directly affect individuals who developed health issues due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, streamlining their legal process under the existing 2022 law.

Maddy summaryHR 895, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023, expands federal law to better prosecute organized retail theft by amending sections 2314 and 2315 of Title 18. It clarifies that crimes involving stolen goods valued at $5,000 or more over 12 months - including retail theft - can be prosecuted under existing federal statutes, and broadens definitions to include goods taken via "any facility of interstate or foreign commerce." The bill also creates a new Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security, requiring it to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts, share threat information with retailers, and produce annual public reports on trends. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, retailers, and criminal justice systems by standardizing prosecution thresholds and enhancing interagency collaboration.

Maddy summaryHJRES 151 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have set new water pollution standards for steam electric power plants, including coal and nuclear facilities. The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, aimed to limit pollutants discharged into waterways from these power plants. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect under the Congressional Review Act. It directly affects steam electric power plants by preventing the implementation of these new environmental requirements.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 8421 would abolish the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and all Federal Reserve Banks, ending the U.S. central banking system as currently structured. The bill requires a one-year wind-down period during which the Fed Chairman manages employee compensation, asset liquidation, and debt settlement, with all assets transferred to the Treasury and liabilities assumed by the Secretary of the Treasury. It repeals the Federal Reserve Act and mandates a joint Treasury-OMB report to Congress within 18 months detailing implementation progress. This bill directly affects the Federal Reserve System's operations and structure, not the general public or financial markets.