Rep. Jared Moskowitz

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Act of 2023 extends a 2018 law that prohibits slaughtering animals for human consumption to include horses, donkeys, and other equine animals, such as ponies. It amends Section 12515 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 by updating the language to replace "dog or cat" with "dog, cat, or equine" in both the section title and the main prohibition. This change directly affects the livestock industry and slaughter facilities by banning the processing of equines for food. The bill modifies existing law without adding new enforcement mechanisms, closing a gap in animal protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023, aims to improve access to nutrition assistance for older adults and people with disabilities through several key changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related programs. It extends SNAP certification periods to 36 months, establishes a standard medical expense deduction for elderly/disabled participants, and creates streamlined application processes (Elderly Simplified Application Program and Combined Application Program) to reduce administrative burdens for eligible households. The bill also establishes a pilot program to improve enrollment among older adults, kinship families, and people with disabilities, and adds provisions for food delivery services for SNAP participants who are elderly or disabled and unable to shop. Additionally, it increases funding for the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and creates infrastructure funding for farmers' markets to improve access to fresh food in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 540 is a symbolic U.S. House resolution reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India and condemning China's actions in the region. It specifically condemns China's 2021 map publishing (assigning Chinese names to features in Arunachal Pradesh), border skirmishes, and territorial claims in Bhutan. The resolution supports India's sovereignty, development efforts in Arunachal Pradesh (including infrastructure and renewable energy), and U.S. cooperation with India through defense partnerships and the Quad. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses U.S. diplomatic support for India's position.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $11.5 billion from unobligated Treasury funds for fiscal year 2023 to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund. The funds directly support disaster relief efforts under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act for major disasters declared by the federal government. The bill designates these funds as an emergency requirement under budget rules, allowing them to bypass standard budget scoring procedures. It does not create new policy or alter eligibility for disaster assistance - only provides funding to maintain existing relief programs.

Maddy summaryHR 4289 prohibits "buy now, pay later" financing for firearms classified as "assault weapons" under the bill. It bans such loans for consumers purchasing these weapons and makes it illegal for dealers, manufacturers, or importers to accept funds from these loans for assault weapon sales. The law defines assault weapons to include rifles with features like folding stocks, detachable magazines, or pistol grips, and pistols with specific attachments or capacity limits. Violations carry $100,000 civil penalties assessed by the Attorney General. This directly affects consumers seeking to finance these weapons and the businesses selling them.

Maddy summaryHRES 488 is a non-binding resolution calling on the Biden administration to transfer Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. It requests immediate provision of these long-range missiles - capable of striking targets up to 200 miles away - to help Ukraine counter Russian forces by targeting logistics hubs and command centers deeper in occupied territory. The resolution notes Ukraine already operates compatible launch systems and cites that allies like the UK and France have provided similar long-range weapons without triggering significant Russian escalation. It emphasizes that delaying this transfer could prolong the war and that the U.S. possesses sufficient existing stockpiles to fulfill the request while maintaining military readiness. The resolution does not mandate action but urges the administration to act.

Maddy summaryThis bill improves the VA Work-Study program for veterans and active-duty military members by expanding eligible work opportunities to include roles with state/local governments and nonprofits that support veterans. It establishes a higher minimum wage standard, requiring payments to meet the highest of federal, state, or local minimum wage rates. The bill also requires electronic time tracking for participants and annual public reporting on program data, including participant demographics, wages, hours worked, and participating schools. These changes apply to work-study payments made on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program within the Fulbright exchange system to honor civil rights leader John Lewis and advance U.S. foreign policy through global civil rights education. It creates a new fellowship for U.S. early- to mid-career professionals, selecting at least 25 annually for 10-month programs to conduct research or intern with approved organizations in countries participating in Fulbright exchanges. Fellows must complete a work plan, attend an orientation in Washington, DC, and present findings at an annual summit, with the State Department covering costs for travel, lodging, and expenses. The program requires annual reports on participant demographics and program effectiveness, and expires seven years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) would amend federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing, employment, credit, and jury service. It amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under existing sex discrimination provisions. The bill would require businesses, housing providers, employers, and government entities to provide equal access and services without regard to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation to clarify protections across all covered areas. The law would apply to all entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including those receiving federal funding.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 527 (HRES 527), introduced on June 20, 2023, is a symbolic resolution condemning the rise in antisemitic violence and harassment targeting Jewish Americans. It directly addresses Jewish Americans affected by recorded increases in antisemitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues and hate speech. The resolution calls on all members of Congress to denounce antisemitism, commit to combating it, and advance accurate Holocaust education while countering Holocaust denial. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses congressional solidarity but does not create new laws or funding.