Rep. Robert Garcia

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow states to skip in-person interviews for SNAP (food stamp) benefit renewals if applicants agree to waive the interview and have already proven they qualify for continued benefits. It also requires states to offer phone or virtual interview options when interviews are still needed for renewal. The change directly affects SNAP recipients who may face fewer in-person requirements and state agencies administering the program. The policy aims to reduce paperwork burdens without altering eligibility rules for food assistance.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2024 restricts the Department of Defense from selling military-grade assault weapons or specific high-capacity ammunition (like .223 Remington and 7.62 NATO) in the commercial marketplace, and prohibits the department from procuring weapons or ammunition from dealers that sell these items commercially. The bill establishes detailed requirements for dealers who want to sell to the government, including mandatory background checks through NICS, security measures, limits on ammunition sales to individuals (500 rounds of covered ammunition or 1,000 rounds of other types in 30 days), and employee training on recognizing straw purchases and preventing illegal sales. Government-owned plants that produce firearms or ammunition for commercial sale must report annual sales data to Congress, including customer locations and revenue. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to establish licenses for ammunition dealers and allow them to use the NICS background check system. This legislation directly affects the Department of Defense, firearms and ammunition dealers, and government-owned manufacturing facilities.

Maddy summaryHR 9274, the SHAWL Act, establishes two new Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum. It authorizes both museums to be located within the National Mall’s "Reserve" area, overriding prior restrictions, and requires federal agencies managing potential sites to transfer jurisdiction to the Smithsonian after notifying congressional committees. The bill mandates that both museums accurately represent diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints within Latino and women’s communities through exhibits and programs, requiring input from a broad range of community experts. It also requires the Smithsonian to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing compliance with these representation requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 9253, the National Gun Violence Research Act, repeals longstanding restrictions that blocked federal funding for gun violence research, including the 1996 Dickey Amendment. It establishes a National Gun Violence Research Program to support scientific studies on gun-related injury and death, with $200 million authorized over six years (2025-2030). The program directs agencies like the CDC, NIH, and National Institute of Justice to fund research, train researchers, develop safety standards, and share gun trace data with researchers through new protocols. This bill directly affects federal research institutions and public health agencies by enabling evidence-based study of gun violence causes and prevention strategies.

Feed the Community Act  This bill allows a tax exemption for charitable donations of food transportation vehicles and food storage equipment to tax-exempt charitable organizations for providing food to individuals and communities in need.

Maddy summaryHRES 1386 is a non-binding House resolution expressing the House's condemnation of Project 2025. It states that if enacted, Project 2025 would threaten healthcare access (including ending protections for pre-existing conditions and banning Medicare drug negotiations), restrict abortion and fertility services, cut education funding, raise costs for working families, and give tax breaks to wealthy corporations. The resolution specifically lists these potential impacts as reasons for the House to "condemn in the strongest terms" Project 2025. As a resolution, it does not create new law but formally expresses the House's position on this policy proposal.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 193 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It also prohibits the President from granting a pardon to themselves. The amendment would apply to all federal officers (such as the President, Vice President, and members of Congress) except for Congress members acting in their legislative role as defined in the Constitution. If ratified by 38 states, this change would become part of the U.S. Constitution, requiring no further congressional action.

Maddy summaryHRES 1381 is a symbolic resolution that commemorates the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams' historical achievements, including over 5,300 total medals across past Games. It expresses congressional support for U.S. athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, France, and commends the Government of France for hosting the events. The resolution also commits to ensuring a safe environment for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryHR 9104, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that normally stock contraception to provide birth control or related medications without delay if in stock, or immediately offer alternatives like referrals to other pharmacies or expedited orders if unavailable. It prohibits pharmacists from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, breaching confidentiality, or refusing to fill valid prescriptions for birth control. Pharmacies violating these rules face civil penalties up to $1,000 per day or private lawsuits. The law specifically applies to pharmacies that routinely carry contraception and excludes cases where a valid prescription is missing or payment cannot be made. It aims to address documented refusals to dispense birth control, particularly following the Dobbs decision.

Maddy summaryHR 9008, the SEWER Act, establishes a National Wastewater Surveillance System to detect disease-causing pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, flu, mpox, and others in sewage. The bill directs the CDC to expand this system, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to monitor wastewater for public health threats. It authorizes $150 million annually (2025-2029) for this effort, with funds remaining available until spent. The law explicitly states wastewater utilities are not required to comply with surveillance requests, making participation voluntary for them.