Sen. John R. Curtis

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and extends funding for programs addressing substance use disorders and opioid addiction, including residential treatment for pregnant and postpartum women, first responder training, and community recovery initiatives. It increases funding levels for these programs, adds xylazine to Schedule III of controlled substances, and requires a study on remote monitoring for patients prescribed opioids. The bill also expands Medicaid coverage requirements for medication-assisted treatment and mandates reporting on mental health condition data alongside substance use disorder data, directly affecting individuals with substance use disorders, healthcare providers, and state and tribal governments.

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 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, blocks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule setting emissions standards for 2027+ light-duty vehicles. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future EPA regulations from mandating specific vehicle technologies or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects EPA rulemaking authority and automakers' compliance with emissions standards, ensuring new vehicle options remain diverse without technology mandates. This is a procedural change to federal emissions regulations, not a direct consumer or industry mandate.

Maddy summaryHRES 868 is a symbolic resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating November 15, 2023, as "National GIS Day." It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or organizations. The resolution highlights Geographic Information System (GIS) technology's role in sharing geospatial data, supporting government and business decisions, advancing STEM education, and addressing societal challenges. It encourages continued use of GIS by educators, students, and innovators to explore, analyze issues, and drive economic growth. This is a non-binding gesture to raise awareness about GIS, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 6396, the Historic Roadways Protection Act, prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize or implement specific travel management plans in designated areas across Utah. It directly affects the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), blocking funding for new plans in 10 named travel management areas (like the San Rafael Swell and Nine Mile Canyon) and three additional plans (Indian Creek, San Rafael Desert, and Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges) during a defined period. The prohibition lasts until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that all R.S. 2477 court cases - legal disputes over historic rights-of-way - are resolved. This bill imposes a concrete funding restriction to delay certain land management decisions while related legal matters are pending.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal framework to coordinate climate resilience efforts across government agencies and communities. It creates a Chief Resilience Officer in the Executive Office of the President to develop a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy (required within 2 years), which must address vulnerabilities identified in climate assessments and prioritize support for vulnerable communities. The bill mandates a Partners Council - including representatives from tribal nations, state/local governments, and climate-vulnerable communities - to advise on strategy development and submit regular reports on federal resilience gaps. It also requires a centralized adaptation clearinghouse to improve access to climate data and resources for non-Federal partners, with the entire framework set to sunset by 2033 or after the third assessment.

Maddy summaryHR 6253, the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act, creates a program to reimburse non-Federal entities and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for licensing fees paid to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) when they receive approval for advanced nuclear reactors. The bill covers five specific reactor types, including those using spent nuclear fuel, integrated energy systems designed to reduce emissions, and flexible reactors for process heat. Reimbursement equals the exact licensing fees paid to the NRC (including construction permit or early site permit costs), with no requirement for repayment or interest. This applies only to the first qualifying reactor in each category that receives an operating license or specific NRC findings after the bill's enactment.

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 summaryHR 340, the "Hamas and Other Palestinian Terrorist Groups International Financing Prevention Act," imposes sanctions on foreign individuals, entities, and governments that provide significant financial, material, or transactional support to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or their affiliates. The bill requires the President to identify those supporting these groups and mandates sanctions including restrictions on exports, defense sales, and financial transactions over $10 million, while exempting humanitarian assistance like medicine and food. It also requires regular reports on foreign countries that host or support these groups' financial networks and mandates actions to disrupt their fundraising and money laundering activities. The legislation terminates after 3 years or if Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are no longer designated as terrorist organizations under U.S. law.

Maddy summaryHR 5964, the Methane Emissions Reduction Act, directs the U.S. Secretary of Energy to lead a federal program reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production, specifically targeting the wasteful flaring and venting of natural gas. The Secretary must provide technical assistance to states and industry, accelerate technology development for capturing wasted gas, maintain a national database of state regulations, and inform stakeholders about gas capture options. Within 270 days of enactment, the Secretary must submit a detailed report to Congress on existing regulations, technology initiatives, barriers to adoption, and recommendations for improvement. This bill directly affects oil and gas producers (through state regulatory pathways) and state regulators responsible for overseeing emissions on private and state lands.