Rep. Bruce Westerman

Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act of 2022 This bill revises requirements concerning determinations on whether a species is a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and caps attorney's fees to prevailing parties in ESA citizen suits. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) must publish online, subject to privacy or administrative limitations, the best scientific and commercial data available that are the basis for each determination. The bill states that the term best scientific and commercial data available includes all data submitted by a state, tribal, or county government. Thus, the USFWS and NMFS would no longer consider whether data from those sources are the best scientific and commercial data available. Instead, the data would be automatically deemed the best scientific and commercial data available regardless of the quality of the data. Before making a determination on whether a species is an endangered or threatened species, the USFWS and NMFS must provide affected states with all of the data that is the basis of the determination. The Department of the Interior must also publish and maintain an online searchable database that discloses federal expenditures related to litigation under the ESA.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana, as the "Jackie Walorski VA Clinic" to honor former U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski, who served on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and advocated for veterans. The law requires all federal references - including laws, documents, and maps - to use the new name for the clinic, effective upon enactment. It does not change the clinic’s services, funding, or operations, as it is a purely commemorative naming resolution.

Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act This bill requires the identification and development of campsites and related facilities in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall (1) identify areas within Albert Pike Recreation Area that may be suitable for overnight camping; (2) review each area identified; and (3) from the areas identified, select and establish campsites and related facilities within the recreation area for public use. USDA must ensure (1) that at least 54 campsites are available, of which not less than 8 shall have electric and water hookups; and (2) that each campsite and related facility identified or established is located outside of the 1% annual exceedance probability flood elevation. Not later than 30 days after the enactment of this bill, USDA shall open each campsite within the recreation area that (1) exists on the enactment of this bill, and (2) is located outside of the 1% annual exceedance probability flood elevation.

Protect Farmers from the SEC Act This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from requiring the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions related to agricultural products.

Supporting Our First Responders Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants on a competitive basis to nongovernmental or governmental entities that provide medical transport and emergency medical services (EMS). Grant recipients may use funds to, for example, support the EMS workforce (e.g., by providing salaries and stipends or covering certification costs) and purchasing vehicles, personal protective equipment, and other resources.

This resolution directs the Department of the Interior to transmit certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to the actions of Interior's Departmental Ethics Office.

Stay Off My Line Act This bill excludes from major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 projects that neither involve federal lands nor federal control or responsibility.

Japanese American World War II History Network Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish the Japanese American World War II History Network within the National Park Service. In carrying out the network, Interior shall review studies and reports to complement and not duplicate studies of Japanese American World War II history and Japanese American experiences during World War II, including studies related to relocation centers and confinement sites; and produce and disseminate appropriate educational materials, such as handbooks, maps, interpretive guides, or electronic information relating to Japanese American World War II history and Japanese American experiences during that war.

Invest to Protect Act of 2022 This bill directs the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to award grants to local and tribal governments that employ fewer than 125 law enforcement officers. Grant funds may be used for various activities, including to provide de-escalation training and improve recruitment and retention.

Maddy summaryHRES 1386 is a non-binding resolution designating the week of September 26-30, 2022, as "National Clean Energy Week." It expresses the House’s support for this designation and encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to promote clean energy solutions. The resolution highlights clean energy’s economic benefits (like supporting 7.8 million jobs in 2021) and urges investment in affordable, low-emission energy technologies. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is purely symbolic recognition of the clean energy sector’s role in the U.S. economy.