Rep. Ted Lieu

Maddy summaryThe MORE Act (HR 5068) would remove cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively decriminalizing it at the federal level while establishing a new tax on cannabis products. The bill creates an Opportunity Trust Fund that would distribute tax revenues to support communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, including funding for expungement programs, job training, and equitable licensing initiatives for minority business owners. It also includes provisions to prevent discrimination based on cannabis use in federal programs, immigration proceedings, and workplace policies. The bill would require federal courts to expunge non-violent cannabis convictions and establish a process for resentencing individuals currently serving time for such offenses. These provisions aim to address racial disparities in cannabis enforcement and create more equitable opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

Maddy summary# Summary of Reserve Component Duty Consolidation Legislation This legislation is a comprehensive revision of military reserve component terminology and definitions throughout the U.S. Code. The primary purpose is to replace the outdated term "inactive duty training" with the more accurate and consistent term "reserve component duty" across all relevant sections of federal law. ## Key Provisions: 1. **Terminology Change**: - Replaces "inactive duty training" with "reserve component duty" in over 50 sections of the U.S. Code (primarily Titles 10, 32, and 37) - Also replaces related terms like "inactive duty" and "inactive duty for training" with "reserve component duty" 2. **Repeals**: - Repeals Chapter 13 of Title 10 - Repeals Sections 10147, 10148, 12406, 12503, 12552 of Title 10 - Repeals Sections 114, 115, and 328 of Title 32 3. **Definition Updates**: - Creates new definitions for "reserve component duty" and "remote assignment" in Title 10 - Defines "Active Guard and Reserve functions" more precisely - Clarifies that reserve component duty includes: * Training as described in sections 552(a) and 553(a) of Title 32 * Support activities authorized for members of the reserve components * Duty prescribed under sections 543 of Title 32 4. **Transition Provisions**: - Establishes a 10-year transition period from the date of enactment - Allows for earlier implementation if all relevant departments (Defense, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs) certify readiness - Provides for early TRICARE eligibility for members ordered to active duty or full-time National Guard duty 5. **Conforming Amendments**: - Makes numerous technical changes to ensure consistent terminology throughout the U.S. Code - Updates references to training requirements, pay, and benefits to reflect the new terminology This legislation represents a significant effort to modernize military reserve component terminology, eliminate confusing and outdated references, and create a more consistent framework for understanding and managing reserve component service obligations and benefits.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 69) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims, survivors, and Giffords - now a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention - and recognizes her leadership in promoting civility and reducing gun violence. The resolution also commends Tucson residents and first responders for their resilience and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's first flight from St. Louis, Missouri (November 29, 1995), and its 30 years of service to the U.S. Navy and allied forces. It recognizes the aircraft's historical contributions, including its role in military operations, its use in the film *Top Gun: Maverick*, and its display at the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis. The resolution formally acknowledges the service of Navy pilots, maintenance crews, and the aircraft's role in maintaining naval supremacy. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy to the museum, with no binding policy changes or direct impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 980) commemorates the one-year anniversary of the 2025 Southern California wildfires, which impacted communities like Pacific Palisades and Altadena. It honors the 31 people who lost their lives, commends first responders who fought the fires, and affirms the House's ongoing support for affected communities. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change existing policies. It directly affects the Southern California communities devastated by the wildfires and their residents.

Maddy summaryHJRES 136 would require the President to issue an annual proclamation designating a day as "Democracy Day" each year. The proclamation must call on state and local governments, as well as educational authorities, to observe the day through programs and activities promoting civic engagement. The bill does not specify which date must be designated, leaving that decision to the President annually. This is a procedural measure focused on directing an existing executive action to foster democratic awareness, without creating new laws or altering existing policies.

Maddy summaryHR 6587, the Veterans Earned Transportation Act (Vets ETA), clarifies the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority to provide transportation for veterans attending job training programs. It amends existing law to remove outdated language, allowing the VA Secretary to permanently cover transportation costs to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation or counseling services. This directly affects veterans enrolled in VA job training programs who need transportation to access these services. The bill streamlines the legal framework without creating new benefits or changing eligibility, ensuring existing transportation support remains accessible under clear authority.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 969) expresses support for designating the week beginning September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment (known as Hispanic-Serving Institutions or HSIs) and their role in serving diverse, low-income students. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but encourages public observance through ceremonies and activities to honor HSIs’ contributions to higher education access and economic mobility. It applies symbolically to all 615+ HSIs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of federal funds for any military action against Venezuela from its enactment date through December 31, 2026, unless Congress either declares war or passes new specific authorization meeting War Powers Resolution standards. It directly affects all federal agencies and military operations that would require funding for actions targeting Venezuela. The key mechanism blocks funding for military force unless Congress explicitly authorizes it through one of two specific pathways. A narrow exception allows actions already compliant with existing War Powers Resolution rules. This is a funding restriction, not a ban on military action itself.