Sen. Jim Banks

Maddy summaryHJRES 88 is a resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment options for federal student loan borrowers. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2023, targeted the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. This resolution uses the Congressional Review Act process to disapprove the rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving the current repayment structure. If enacted, it would stop the proposed changes to repayment terms without altering existing loan policies.

Maddy summaryThe Innovative FEED Act of 2023 defines and regulates "zootechnical animal food substances" - substances added to animal feed to affect digestion, reduce foodborne pathogens, or alter gut microbiome without providing nutrition. It requires these substances to be approved as food additives by the FDA under existing rules, with specific data on intended effects and mandatory labeling stating "Not for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in animals." The bill excludes drugs, hormones, ionophores, and other substances from this category. This directly affects animal feed manufacturers, the FDA’s regulatory process, and the labeling requirements for these products.

Maddy summaryHR 6615 establishes a Special Inspector General within the Department of Education to monitor college admissions practices following the Supreme Court's *Students for Fair Admissions* ruling. The inspector general investigates allegations of race-based discrimination in admissions or financial aid at colleges receiving federal student aid, ensuring compliance with the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Institutions found violating these rules could lose eligibility for federal funding, and the inspector general must report quarterly to Congress on investigations, violations, and institutional cooperation. The position is funded with $25 million and will sunset after 12 years. This directly affects all colleges receiving federal aid under the Higher Education Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Never Again Education program, which funds Holocaust education initiatives in schools. It extends the program's funding authorization period from ending after four fiscal years to continuing annually through fiscal year 2030. The bill modifies the existing law (Public Law 116-141) by updating the funding timeline without changing program requirements or eligibility. It directly affects the existing grant program supporting educational materials and teacher training on the Holocaust. The change ensures continued federal funding for these specific educational efforts until 2030.

Maddy summaryThe SCREEN Act requires online platforms that host pornographic content for profit to implement age verification technology to block minors from accessing such material. It applies to platforms operating in the U.S. market or interstate commerce that create, host, or distribute content deemed "harmful to minors" (including pornography). Platforms must publicly disclose their verification methods, secure user data collected for age checks, and prevent minors from accessing prohibited content. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these requirements through audits, treating violations as unfair business practices under existing law.

Maddy summaryHJRES 103 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Department of Labor rule updating the Davis-Bacon Act regulations. It specifically targets the rule published in the Federal Register on August 23, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 57526), which would have modified requirements for paying prevailing wages on federal construction projects. The resolution invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, to formally disapprove the rule, stating it "shall have no force or effect" if passed. This procedural measure directly affects federal contractors and the Department of Labor, aiming to prevent the implementation of the updated wage regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 6258 (GUARD Act), amends federal child welfare funding to require states receiving funds under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to refrain from taking adverse actions against parents who oppose medical, social, or psychological interventions related to a minor's gender identity expression. It directly affects states receiving these federal funds by prohibiting discrimination against parents who believe a minor's gender identity conflicts with their biological sex (determined at birth), regardless of medical diagnoses. Key provisions withhold federal funding from any state violating this requirement, and allow affected parents to sue to stop funding to noncompliant states and recover funds. The law focuses on protecting parental rights regarding minors' care decisions, not on mandating specific medical treatments.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, clinics, or related entities. It directs that funds previously allocated to Planned Parenthood must instead support other providers - including community health centers, hospitals, and clinics - that offer women’s health services like contraception, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce overall federal funding for women’s health care or affect existing abortion-related funding restrictions in appropriations laws. It ensures continued access to these services through alternative providers, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 798 is a House resolution condemning support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at colleges and universities. It states such support may create a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff, citing incidents like blaming Israel for the October 7 Hamas attack. The resolution urges the Secretary of Education to direct the Office for Civil Rights to investigate and take action where appropriate. This non-binding resolution expresses the House's position but does not create new law or policy changes.