Rep. Ann Wagner

Maddy summaryThe Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2024 enables victims of human trafficking to seek to vacate certain convictions or expunge arrests related to offenses they committed as a direct result of being trafficked. It establishes a court process where victims can file motions showing their criminal activity was trafficking-related, with courts required to find by preponderance of evidence that the offense was directly tied to trafficking. If granted, the court must expunge all related records, return any fines paid, and treat the individual as if the offense never occurred. The bill also adds a "human trafficking defense" that creates a presumption of duress for trafficking victims in prosecutions. It requires reports on implementation and training for U.S. attorneys on trafficking indicators.

Maddy summaryHJRES 120 is a joint resolution that would disapprove a rule issued by the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) regarding how the council identifies nonbank financial companies that could pose risks to the broader financial system. The rule, published in November 2023, provided guidance for designating such companies, which could affect their regulatory oversight. This resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to declare the rule ineffective, meaning it would have no legal force. If passed, it would prevent the FSOC from implementing this specific guidance in its regulatory work.

Maddy summaryThe SEC Reform and Restructuring Act (HR 8339) requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to consider costs and benefits of regulations before proposing them, including assessing impacts on small businesses, market competitiveness, and investor choice. The bill mandates semiannual testimony to Congress about SEC activities, establishes a minimum 60-day public comment period for proposed rules (with a 30-day option for imminent investor harm), and transfers oversight of public company auditors from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to the SEC. It also requires the SEC to periodically review existing rules every five years to assess whether they facilitate capital formation or protect investors, and mandates a GAO audit of the SEC's IT infrastructure and data handling practices. These changes aim to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency in SEC regulatory processes while maintaining investor protection.

Maddy summaryThe Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (HR 807) directs the U.S. Treasury to mint three types of commemorative coins honoring working dogs' service: $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins with specific weight and composition requirements. Each coin will carry a surcharge ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars) that will be paid directly to America's VetDogs to support their programs providing service dogs for veterans, the disabled, and others. The coins will be issued in 2027 with designs reflecting working dogs' roles in military, detection, therapy, and assistance work. The legislation specifies that all surcharge revenue must fund America's VetDogs' operations without creating new government programs. This is a commemorative measure focused on honoring working dogs' contributions through coin sales, with all surcharge funds going to a specific nonprofit organization.

Maddy summaryHR 10256, the DETERRENCE Act, adds sentencing enhancements for certain federal crimes when committed at the direction of or in coordination with a foreign government. It directly affects individuals convicted of offenses like kidnapping, murder-for-hire, stalking, attacks on officials, or threats against federal employees if foreign government involvement is proven. Key provisions increase sentences by up to 10 years for the primary crime, up to 5 years for attempts, and additional years if serious harm occurs (e.g., bodily injury, use of weapons, or victim age). The bill modifies existing law without creating new offenses, only increasing penalties under specific, defined circumstances involving foreign coordination.

Maddy summaryHR 3012 reauthorizes U.S. programs under the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 through 2028, extending funding and reporting requirements for existing initiatives. It directs the U.S. Agency for Global Media to continue broadcasting independent news into North Korea, supports transparent humanitarian aid delivery, and urges China to halt forcible repatriation of North Korean refugees. The bill directly affects North Korean citizens by promoting information access and refugee protection, and North Korean refugees in China by advocating for UNHCR access and refugee rights. Key provisions include extending program deadlines, reinforcing U.S. diplomatic efforts on human rights, and calling for swift confirmation of the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues.

Maddy summaryHRES 1574 is a non-binding House resolution calling for the immediate removal of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg. It cites concerns about his leadership, including alleged mistreatment of staff, a "toxic workplace," staffing shortages, and failures in bank supervision that contributed to financial institution failures. The resolution does not change law or remove Gruenberg (as the President appoints FDIC leaders), but formally demands his removal. It was introduced by 25 Republican representatives and referred to the Financial Services Committee.

Maddy summaryHRES 1566 is a symbolic House resolution honoring all U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2024. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of the estimated 15.8 million veterans living in the U.S. as of 2023, including those who served in conflicts from World War II to post-9/11. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Veterans Day to acknowledge veterans' role in preserving national freedom. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct policy impact but formally expresses congressional recognition of veterans' contributions.

Maddy summaryHJRES 100 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule on cybersecurity. It targets the SEC's August 2023 rule requiring public companies to disclose cybersecurity risks, strategies, governance practices, and incident details. If passed, this resolution would nullify the SEC rule, preventing it from taking effect. The bill directly affects public companies subject to SEC regulations and the SEC itself, as it would invalidate the specific cybersecurity disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 4551 (Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act) prevents the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring securities exchanges or associations to share investors' personal details - such as names, addresses, or Social Security numbers - for routine reporting. The SEC may only request such information during investigations into securities law violations, and exchanges must provide it within 24 hours. The SEC must destroy this data within one day after the investigation concludes. This law directly protects investors' privacy by limiting when their personally identifiable information can be collected and retained.