Rep. Harriet M. Hageman

Maddy summaryHJRES 107 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule published on January 22, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 4128). The resolution aims to disapprove the FCC's rule implementing digital discrimination protections under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which would have required internet providers to prevent discriminatory practices. If passed, this resolution would nullify the FCC rule, preventing it from taking effect under the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). The bill directly affects the FCC's regulatory authority over digital discrimination enforcement in broadband services.

Maddy summaryHR 7101, the FTC REDO Act, rescinds the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) January 2024 rule targeting auto retail scams and prohibits the FTC from finalizing future auto retail rules without meeting specific requirements. Before proposing new rules, the FTC must conduct a quantitative study on deceptive practices, consumer testing on new mandates, and an economic analysis of costs/benefits - each subject to 30 days of public comment and independent peer review. These studies must demonstrate evidence of unfair practices, show new rules enhance consumer protection without unduly burdening businesses, and compare the proposed rule to less burdensome alternatives. The bill directly affects the FTC's rulemaking process for auto retail, impacting how regulations on dealerships, disclosures, and consumer protections are developed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a Treasury Department rule (88 Fed. Reg. 80584, November 2023) that established spending guidelines for $350 billion in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. If passed, it would nullify the rule, preventing the Treasury from enforcing its specific restrictions on how states and localities could use these pandemic recovery funds. The bill does not alter the underlying funding program but targets the implementation rules through a procedural disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. It directly affects the Treasury Department's authority to administer the fund distribution rules.

Maddy summaryHR 7202 requires the U.S. Secretary of State to report to Congress within 90 days on all U.S. funding provided to UNRWA (the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees) from fiscal years 2020 through 2024, including monthly spending details. The bill also prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support UNRWA, either directly or indirectly, starting upon its enactment. This bill affects U.S. government funding decisions for UNRWA and mandates transparency about past financial support. The legislation focuses on requiring a spending report and blocking future U.S. financial assistance to the agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a law (18 U.S.C. § 1715) that previously prohibited mailing firearms without a license. It directly affects the U.S. Postal Service, firearm sellers, and individuals mailing firearms by preventing the Postal Service from creating rules that would block firearm mailings or require disclosure of sensitive records like sales receipts or firearm serial numbers. Key provisions include removing the existing ban on mailing firearms and prohibiting the Postal Service from imposing new restrictions on firearm mailings or demanding customer transaction data. The bill ensures that firearm mailings can proceed without these specific federal restrictions, while applying to ongoing legal cases under the repealed law.

Maddy summaryHR 7170, the Victims' VOICES Act, amends federal restitution law to require courts to reimburse specific expenses for individuals who assume a victim's legal rights (such as family members or advocates). It mandates that defendants pay for lost income, childcare, transportation, and related costs directly tied to attending court proceedings, participating in investigations, or accompanying victims to necessary medical care, therapy, or rehabilitation. The bill focuses on concrete reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during legal and medical processes, rather than creating new programs. This change directly affects those stepping into a victim's role during criminal cases, ensuring they are financially supported for essential participation.

Maddy summaryHR 2553, the "No More Political Prosecutions Act of 2023," amends a specific legal provision (Section 1442(a) of Title 28, U.S. Code) to exclude the President, Vice President, and former officials from being sued under that section. The bill removes existing language allowing civil or criminal cases against these officials and adds a new provision explicitly barring such actions. It applies to all pending cases or new prosecutions filed after the law's enactment. This change directly affects high-level federal officials by limiting legal challenges against them under this particular legal mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the EPA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the December 13, 2023, proposed rule on water pollution standards for meat and poultry processing facilities under the Clean Water Act. It directly affects meat and poultry processing plants by blocking a specific EPA regulation that would have set new wastewater discharge limits. The key provision explicitly bans the EPA from moving forward with this rule or any "substantially similar" rule. The bill does not create new regulations but stops a specific EPA action from taking effect.

Maddy summaryThe Energy Parity Act requires that any reduction in capacity fees for wind and solar energy projects must be matched by an equivalent reduction in royalty rates for oil and natural gas leases. It lowers the minimum royalty rate for onshore oil and gas leases from 16.67% to 12.5% and adjusts minimum bid and rental rates (e.g., reducing the minimum bid from $10 to $2 per acre for two years). The bill also directs the Bureau of Land Management to reissue a proposed rule on renewable energy leasing within 120 days of enactment. These changes directly affect federal leaseholders for oil, gas, and renewable energy projects.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act of 2023 requires at least 50% of federal funds for watershed projects to support "multibenefit works of improvement" that provide two or more public benefits including water conservation, improved fish/wildlife habitat, flood reduction, or water quality enhancement. The bill defines these projects to include activities like protecting natural features, enhancing fish passage, or improving instream flow, while establishing specific cost-sharing requirements and environmental considerations. Local organizations, including states, tribes, soil conservation districts, rural communities, and irrigation districts, would be the primary beneficiaries of this funding. The legislation aims to shift watershed management toward integrated solutions that address multiple environmental and community challenges simultaneously. It establishes clear definitions and requirements for what qualifies as a multibenefit project under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.