Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2]
Republican · MO · 11 bills sponsored
Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation Act of 2025
# Summary of HR 3383: Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation Act of 2025 **What the bill does:** This legislation removes restrictions that currently prevent closed-end funds (investment funds with a fixed number of shares traded on stock exchanges) from investing large amounts of money into private investment funds. Essentially, it allows the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to no longer block these types of investments, potentially opening up more capital to flow into private companies and ventures. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily benefits investment firms and wealthy investors who use closed-end funds and private investment funds. It could indirectly affect entrepreneurs and companies seeking private investment, as removing these restrictions may make more funding available to them. General stock market investors could be affected if they own shares in these types of funds. **Current status:** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. The stated goal is to increase economic growth by making it easier for investment capital to reach new businesses and ventures, though supporters and critics debate whether removing these investment limits creates opportunities or increases financial risks.
Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders Act of 2025
# Summary of HR 4429: Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders Act of 2025 **What the bill does:** This bill would relax SEC regulations governing venture capital funds, allowing them to treat a broader range of investments as "qualifying investments." Specifically, it would let venture capital funds count secondary market purchases (buying existing investments from other investors) and investments in other venture capital funds as qualifying investments, rather than limiting these to 20% of a fund's portfolio. **Who it affects:** Primarily venture capital firms and the investors in those funds. These companies invest in early-stage startups and growing businesses. The bill also indirectly affects entrepreneurs and business owners seeking venture capital funding. General stock market investors may be affected if looser regulations influence how venture capital operates. **Key provisions:** Currently, venture capital funds must directly acquire most of their investments to get regulatory exemptions (which reduce paperwork and compliance costs). The bill loosens this requirement, allowing funds more flexibility in how they structure their investments while still receiving those same regulatory breaks. This could make it easier and cheaper for venture capital firms to operate, though critics might argue it reduces regulatory oversight. **Status:** The bill passed the House and awaits Senate consideration.
Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act
# Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This law requires the U.S. State Department to regularly review and report to Congress on its policies governing relations with Taiwan. Instead of conducting a one-time review as previously required, the State Department must now submit updated reports every two years. These reports must explain how the department's guidance reflects Congress's view that Taiwan has a legitimate, democratically elected government, and must identify ways the U.S. could expand its relationship with Taiwan within current constraints. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters:** The bill primarily affects the State Department's operations and Congressional oversight of U.S.-Taiwan policy. It matters because the U.S. has had an unofficial relationship with Taiwan since 1979, when the U.S. switched diplomatic recognition to mainland China. This law increases transparency and Congressional input into how that unofficial relationship is managed, potentially opening doors for closer U.S.-Taiwan engagement. **Current Status:** The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. It was sponsored by Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) and passed through the 119th Congress.
Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2025
# Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would allow investment companies and transfer agents (financial intermediaries) to temporarily halt the withdrawal of money from mutual funds and similar investments if they suspect an older adult or person with a disability is being financially exploited or scammed. Specifically, the freeze would apply to people age 65 and older, or anyone 18+ with a mental or physical impairment that prevents them from protecting their own finances. The company could delay the redemption (withdrawal) request while investigating whether fraud or exploitation is occurring. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill protects vulnerable populations—seniors and people with disabilities—from losing their life savings to financial scams and exploitation. Investment companies would have the authority to pause withdrawal requests they believe are fraudulent, potentially giving authorities time to investigate and protect the victim's assets. The bill establishes procedures for how long these delays can last and what protections apply, though the summary provided doesn't specify all those details. **Current Status** The bill (HR 2478) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
ENFORCE Act
# ENFORCE Act Summary The ENFORCE Act (HR 4831) is a proposed law focused on strengthening criminal penalties and enforcement related to crimes against children, particularly those involving child abuse, domestic violence, and child sexual exploitation material. While the full legislative text would provide specific details, the bill's subject categories indicate it would likely address how these crimes are prosecuted, what sentences offenders receive, and how law enforcement handles related investigations. The bill was introduced by Representative Ann Wagner (R-Missouri) in the 119th Congress. The legislation would primarily affect individuals accused or convicted of crimes against children, law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating these crimes, and potentially child welfare and victim support systems. Families and communities concerned with child safety could also be impacted depending on the specific enforcement mechanisms included. **Current Status:** The bill remains in committee and has not yet advanced to a full House vote. To see exactly what provisions the bill contains—such as specific penalty increases, new investigative tools, or funding allocations—you can review the full text on Congress.gov or your representative's official website.
Small Entity Update Act
# Small Entity Update Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review and update how it defines "small entities" for regulatory purposes. The SEC would study ways to reduce compliance burdens on small businesses and other small organizations, then recommend changes to Congress and update its rules accordingly. A key requirement is that the SEC adjust the dollar amounts used in its small entity definitions every five years to account for inflation—meaning the thresholds would automatically increase over time rather than remaining fixed. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts small businesses, startups, and other small organizations that must comply with SEC regulations, particularly those involved in securities and capital markets. It could also affect the SEC itself, which would need to conduct the study and implement new rules. Investors and the broader financial system could be indirectly affected depending on how definitions change. **Current Status:** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. If passed there and signed by the President, it would become law.
Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act
# Summary of HR 4149: Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would impose sanctions against individuals or entities that undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, the 1995 accord that ended the Bosnian War. If passed, it would authorize the U.S. government to target people or organizations working to destabilize Bosnia and Herzegovina or violate the terms of this peace agreement through economic penalties and travel restrictions. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily targets foreign actors—individuals, officials, or organizations in the Balkans region—who threaten the peace accord's implementation. It would affect U.S. foreign policy toward Bosnia and Herzegovina and could impact international relations in the region. The specific sanctions mechanisms and targeted behaviors would be detailed in the bill's full text, though these details are not provided in this summary. **Current Status** As of now, HR 4149 remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote in the House of Representatives. This means it is still in the early legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward.
Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2025
# Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would make it easier for companies to go public by expanding their ability to communicate with potential investors before formally filing paperwork with regulators. Specifically, it allows any company to "test the waters"—meaning they can gauge investor interest in a potential stock offering before or after filing official documents—and to submit draft registration statements confidentially to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for review before making them public. Currently, these options are only available to smaller "emerging growth companies." **Who it affects:** The bill primarily benefits companies planning to issue stock, particularly mid-sized and larger firms that don't currently qualify as emerging growth companies. Investors and the financial industry would also be affected, as the changes could streamline the process of bringing new companies to market and potentially increase the number of public offerings. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate.
DETERRENCE Act
# DETERRENCE Act Summary The DETERRENCE Act (HR 2394) is a criminal justice bill introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) that focuses on strengthening law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute serious crimes. Based on its listed subjects, the bill appears designed to enhance tools and procedures for addressing human trafficking, terrorism, violent crime, and related offenses. The specific provisions would likely modify criminal investigation procedures, interrogation standards, and sentencing guidelines, though the exact details of how these changes would work are indicated by the bill's focus areas. This legislation would primarily affect federal law enforcement agencies, federal prosecutors, and the criminal justice system's handling of serious felonies. It could also impact individuals prosecuted under federal law for crimes like trafficking or terrorism. The bill's mention of "Presidential administrations" suggests it may address how law enforcement operates across different administrations. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. For detailed provisions and specific language, you can review the full text on Congress.gov.
FIRM Act of 2025
# FIRM Act of 2025 Summary **What the bill would do:** The FIRM Act would allow the U.S. State Department to charge higher visa fees to visitors from certain countries. The fee increases would be triggered if a country: refuses to accept its own citizens being deported from the U.S., is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, or fails to meet standards for combating human trafficking. Countries meeting multiple criteria would face progressively higher fees. The State Department would review countries monthly and adjust fees accordingly. **Who it affects:** The bill would primarily impact citizens of countries that meet one or more of these criteria when they apply for temporary U.S. visitor visas for business or tourism. U.S. visa applicants and permanent residents would not be affected—only temporary visitors from designated countries would face higher fees. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
# Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This legislation requires healthcare providers to give the same medical care to infants born alive during abortion procedures as they would provide to any other newborn at the same stage of development. It also mandates that such infants be immediately admitted to a hospital. Healthcare workers who witness a failure to provide this care must report it to law enforcement. The bill creates criminal penalties—fines and up to five years in prison—for providers who don't comply with these care requirements or fail to report non-compliance. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects abortion providers, hospitals, and other healthcare staff involved in abortion procedures. It could also impact families in rare situations where a child is born alive during an abortion. The bill treats intentional harm to a live-born child as a serious crime. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is sponsored by Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO). It would need Senate approval and presidential signature to become law. Supporters argue the bill protects newborns, while opponents contend it's unnecessary (claiming current law already covers live births) and could complicate end-of-life care decisions in complex medical situations.