Rep. Jim Costa

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes U.S. economic sanctions and visa restrictions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and related entities, targeting individuals and groups linked to the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It requires the President to block assets and deny visas to PRC members, affiliates, and any group operating under their umbrella, effective 90 days after enactment. The law also mandates a report within 90 days on whether "Lion’s Den" meets criteria for terrorism designation under existing U.S. law. These measures apply specifically to designated terrorist organizations and their networks, without altering broader U.S. counterterrorism policy.

Maddy summaryThe Paycheck Fairness Act strengthens equal pay protections by expanding the definition of "sex" to include pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. It modifies employer defenses for pay disparities to require proof that any pay difference is job-related, not based on sex, and accounts for the entire pay gap. The bill prohibits employers from asking about salary history, enhances penalties for violations, and requires employers with 100+ employees to collect and report detailed pay data by race, sex, and job category. It also establishes training programs for employers on eliminating pay bias and creates a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to coordinate enforcement efforts. This legislation directly affects employers, particularly those with 100+ employees, and aims to address pay disparities impacting women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 80 would declare the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) part of the U.S. Constitution, asserting it has been ratified by 38 states (three-fourths of the states) despite the original 1972 deadline. If passed, this resolution would formally establish the ERA as a constitutional amendment, requiring all federal and state laws to align with its gender equality protections. The bill does not create new laws but confirms the ERA's status as part of the Constitution, affecting how laws are interpreted and enforced. It is a procedural step to resolve the legal dispute over the ERA's validity after decades of debate.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses symbolic support for designating a month to honor Iranian American heritage. It acknowledges the contributions of over 540,000 Iranian Americans in the U.S., including their business ownership (over 33,000 businesses), cultural impact (like the Nowruz celebration), and achievements in science, medicine, and public service. The resolution encourages nationwide observance through programs and celebrations but does not create new laws or requirements. It is a non-binding expression of support, consistent with similar resolutions recognizing other cultural heritages.

Maddy summaryHR 1376, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025, provides compensation to poultry growers and layer facility owners whose operations were prohibited within USDA-designated "control areas" due to animal health restrictions. It directly affects poultry farmers raising birds bred for meat or eggs (like chickens, turkeys, or ducks), excluding doves and pigeons. The bill requires the Secretary to pay compensation equal to the average income from the farm's five most recent flocks multiplied by the number of prohibited flocks, minus any prior state compensation received, with payments due within 60 days of a claim. This mechanism ensures financial support for farmers impacted by USDA-mandated restrictions without requiring judicial review of payment amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing agricultural loan program to expand funding eligibility. It allows agricultural producers to use loan funds specifically for constructing or upgrading propane storage facilities used in farming operations. The change directly affects farmers who need propane storage infrastructure for agricultural production, as defined by current federal regulations. The key provision modifies how loan funds can be allocated under the existing program, adding this new purpose without creating a new program.

Maddy summaryHRES 230 is a non-binding resolution expressing Congress's sense that the U.S. Congress and administration must urgently collaborate on food and agricultural trade policies. It directly affects U.S. farmers, ranchers, and the $9.6 trillion agricultural sector, which supports millions of jobs and generates significant exports. The resolution calls for concrete actions including securing new market access, enforcing trade agreements, eliminating unjustified trade barriers (like tariffs and nontariff restrictions), and using science-based approaches to strengthen global trade. It emphasizes addressing a 9% decline in 2023 agricultural exports and a projected $37 billion trade deficit, contrasting with historical trade surpluses.

Maddy summaryHRES 227 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating March 18, 2025, as "National Agriculture Day" to honor agriculture's role as a vital U.S. industry. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements on any group. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight agriculture's economic impact and contributions to the nation. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy effect beyond raising awareness.

Maddy summaryThe Innovative FEED Act of 2025 establishes a new regulatory category for "zootechnical animal food substances" - additives in animal feed that affect digestive byproducts, reduce foodborne pathogens, or alter an animal's gut microbiome without providing nutrition. These substances would be regulated as food additives (not drugs) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, requiring manufacturers to submit specific safety and efficacy data for approval. The bill mandates labeling stating "Not for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in animals" and allows optional claims about intended effects on animal body function. It explicitly excludes existing drugs, hormones, ionophores, and other substances from this category, ensuring no mandatory use of these additives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Lacey Act to clarify procedures for inspecting imported wood, wildlife, and plant products (like timber) detained by authorities. It requires customs officials to issue a detailed notice within 5 days of detention, specifying the reason, expected duration, and testing plans. Importers must pay storage fees and post a bond to move detained goods after 10 days, and officials must release or seize merchandise within 30 days, with clear appeal processes. The bill directly affects importers of wood products and customs enforcement officers by standardizing inspection timelines and transparency. It does not change what products are banned, only how inspections are conducted.