Rep. Juan Ciscomani

Maddy summaryThe TAAP Act reauthorizes the U.S. program for assessing shared aquifers with Mexico, directly affecting water management in border regions. It expands the list of priority aquifers to include Arizona (excluding one specific basin) and extends federal funding authorization from fiscal years 2025 through 2035. The bill updates the program’s legal name and sunset provision to align with its new designation, ensuring continued scientific assessment of transboundary groundwater resources between the U.S. and Mexico.

Maddy summaryThe BONUS Transparency Act requires federal agencies to publicly report details about performance awards given to career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees. Each year, agencies must submit to Congress a report listing every award's recipient (including name, title, and salary), amount, and funding source, starting in 2024. This directly affects career SES employees who receive performance-based bonuses, as their compensation details become publicly accessible. The law mandates these annual reports within 90 days after each fiscal year ends, increasing transparency around executive pay. It applies to all executive branch agencies and covers all performance awards, including bonuses under federal pay rules.

Maddy summaryHR 7480, the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, changes how housing programs calculate income eligibility for veterans. It requires states and local governments to exclude service-connected disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when determining if a veteran qualifies as "low or moderate income" for HUD housing programs (like Section 8 or public housing). This directly helps disabled veterans whose VA disability pay would otherwise disqualify them from housing assistance they need. The bill also mandates a report within one year examining how VA disability pay is treated across HUD programs and recommending improvements to better serve veterans. The change simplifies access to housing support by ensuring VA benefits aren't counted as income for these programs.

Maddy summaryThe Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to repay the estates of deceased veterans for benefits that were paid to a fiduciary (such as a guardian or trustee) but then misused by that fiduciary. It applies specifically to veterans who died before receiving benefits intended for them, where a fiduciary diverted the funds. The law directs the VA to pay the estate directly - instead of the misusing fiduciary - for the misused amount, using existing procedures under VA law. This ensures families of deceased veterans can recover funds improperly taken by those managing the veteran’s finances.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a Truth and Healing Commission to investigate the history and impacts of U.S. Indian Boarding School policies on Native American communities, including cultural, emotional, and physical effects on survivors, descendants, and tribal communities. The Commission will document these impacts through research, public meetings, and testimony, working with two advisory committees focused on Native American perspectives and Federal agency coordination. The Commission will operate for six years, with annual reports to Congress and a final report containing recommendations for Federal action. The bill also includes provisions for managing burial sites related to boarding schools and ensures the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to remains found on Federal lands related to these schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 10201) amends U.S. Code provisions to move the National Woman's Relief Corps' legal incorporation and domicile from the District of Columbia to Illinois, and its principal office from Springfield to Murphysboro, Illinois. It updates the legal address for service of process to Illinois officials (Secretary of State or designated office) instead of District of Columbia entities. The bill directly affects the National Woman's Relief Corps' administrative and legal operations, requiring no new policy changes or funding. It is purely procedural, adjusting the organization's official location in federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill enhances the existing American Battlefield Protection Program by expanding eligibility for grants to include Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, alongside States and local governments. It clarifies that eligible sites must be identified in the 1993 Civil War battlefield report or 2007 Revolutionary War/War of 1812 report, excluding sites already within National Park boundaries. The bill also requires the Secretary to submit updated battlefield condition reports to Congress every 10 years, starting two years after enactment, tracking preservation efforts and battlefield changes. These changes streamline program administration and ensure ongoing assessment of historic battlefield sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals to withdraw funds from retirement accounts without the usual 10% early withdrawal penalty if the money is used for qualified family caregiving expenses. It directly affects caregivers (like adult children or spouses) who pay for care for a family member certified by a doctor as needing long-term assistance with daily activities. Expenses covered include home modifications, medical supplies, respite care, counseling, lost wages for unpaid time off, and transportation for the care recipient. The total amount exempt from the penalty is capped at $10,000 per year per caregiver. The bill modifies existing tax code to make these withdrawals penalty-free while requiring documentation and certification of the care recipient's needs.

Maddy summaryHRES 1581 is a symbolic resolution expressing congressional support for designating November 2024 as "Prematurity Awareness Month." It highlights the U.S. maternal and infant health crisis, including higher preterm birth rates and disparities affecting Black and Native American women and their infants. The resolution urges Americans, communities, and organizations to observe the month through events and education focused on preterm birth prevention. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about this health issue, which contributes to infant mortality and costs an estimated $25.2 billion annually.