Rep. Keith Self

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 117 is a joint resolution that would disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning the reconsideration of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, was part of the agency’s process to review these standards, which set limits for harmful air pollutants. This resolution invokes a congressional disapproval procedure under federal law to block the rule from taking effect. If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect, preserving the existing air quality standards for particulate matter.

Maddy summaryHRES 1457 is a symbolic House resolution (introduced September 17, 2024) that condemns Vice President Kamala Harris for her past statements and policy positions related to law enforcement and criminal justice. The resolution cites specific past remarks by Harris (as a U.S. Senator) regarding policing, immigration, and criminal justice reform - including supporting decriminalizing immigration, opposing ICE, and endorsing bail reform groups - and claims these policies "encouraged lawlessness." It does not create new laws or affect anyone legally, as it is purely a non-binding expression of disapproval. The resolution has no policy impact or enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Veterans Affairs (VA) chaplains to voluntarily share a veteran's contact information with a faith-based organization of the veteran's choice, **only if the veteran consents**. It directly affects veterans receiving VA medical care, VA chaplains, and eligible religious or faith-based organizations. The key mechanism requires a veteran's explicit permission after a chaplain conducts a "spiritual assessment" (evaluating spiritual needs to inform medical care). This change modifies VA healthcare procedures to enable veterans to connect with faith-based support services they select, while ensuring privacy through voluntary participation.

Maddy summaryHR 1425, the "No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act," requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness treaty through a two-thirds vote. The bill deems any convention, agreement, or international instrument on pandemic prevention drafted by the WHO’s International Negotiating Body (INB) as a treaty subject to Senate ratification, rather than allowing it to take effect as an executive agreement. This directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation regarding WHO agreements, ensuring Congress has a formal role in approving such binding international commitments. The bill stems from congressional concerns about WHO’s pandemic response and public skepticism toward the organization, as outlined in its findings.

Maddy summaryHR 705, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from automatically sending veterans' personal information to the national background check system solely because a fiduciary (like a guardian) manages their benefits. It specifically blocks the VA from sharing this data with the Justice Department without a court order finding the veteran a danger to themselves or others. This directly affects veterans who have a fiduciary appointed due to incapacity but are not deemed dangerous, preventing automatic barriers to firearm purchases based only on their fiduciary status. The bill amends 38 U.S.C. § 5501B to require judicial authorization before such data can be transmitted.

Maddy summaryThe VENUE Act changes where federal criminal cases are filed for offenses committed on federal property within the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Washington, D.C., parts of Maryland and Virginia. It allows charges to be filed in the defendant's last legal residence district (or Washington, D.C.) instead of the location of the crime, and permits defendants to request a transfer to their home district court. However, defendants not domiciled in the U.S. cannot request this transfer, and the first defendant to file such a motion gets priority if multiple defendants do so. This applies to all pending cases not yet scheduled for trial where the crime occurred on federal property in the NCR.

Maddy summaryHR 9534, the National Constitutional Carry Act, would prohibit states and localities from banning or restricting the public carrying of legally owned firearms by eligible U.S. citizens. It directly affects all gun owners who meet federal and state possession requirements, removing the need for permits or licenses to carry in public spaces. Key provisions state that any state law restricting public carry - such as requiring permits or imposing financial barriers - would be invalidated, with exceptions for privately-owned businesses that clearly prohibit firearms or locations with security screening. The bill bases this on Supreme Court rulings affirming the constitutional right to carry firearms for self-defense outside the home.

Maddy summaryHR 8282, the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign individuals or entities supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating or prosecuting "protected persons." Protected persons include U.S. military personnel, officials, and allied personnel (from non-ICC member countries) who are not under ICC jurisdiction. The bill requires the President to block assets and deny visas to targeted foreign persons and their immediate family members within 60 days of the ICC attempting such actions. It mandates congressional notification of sanctions and allows termination if the ICC ceases all such efforts against protected persons. The law focuses on restricting U.S. economic and travel access to ICC supporters targeting specific U.S. and allied personnel.

Maddy summaryThe Increasing Small-Scale Poultry Processing Opportunities Act allows small-scale poultry processors to offer custom slaughter and processing services for household use, directly affecting small processors and poultry owners who want to process birds for personal consumption without commercial sale. It requires custom-basis products to be physically separated from those for sale, clearly marked "Not for Sale," and handled in a sanitary manner at official processing facilities. This amendment to the Poultry Products Inspection Act creates a regulatory pathway for small operations at official establishments while maintaining safety standards for non-commercial products. The change reduces barriers for small-scale processing without requiring full federal inspection for household-use items.

Maddy summaryHR 5870, the Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2023, streamlines the appeals process for veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It allows veterans to take only one appeal action at a time within one year of a decision, replacing previous sequential requirements. The bill also requires the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to publish weekly docket dates showing when cases assigned to specific board members will be decided. These changes directly affect veterans navigating appeals and aim to increase clarity and predictability in the timeline for benefit decisions.