Rep. Doris O. Matsui

Maddy summaryHR 4024, the Clean Shipping Act of 2023, requires commercial vessels over 400 gross tons to gradually reduce the carbon intensity of their fuel. Starting in 2027, vessels must cut fuel carbon intensity by 20% compared to a 2024 baseline, increasing to 100% (zero emissions) by 2040. The bill mandates annual reporting of fuel carbon intensity and emissions for covered voyages (commercial trips between US ports or to foreign ports) and allows fleet averaging under common ownership. Vessels operating fewer than 30 days annually are exempt, and standards may be adjusted if technological or economic feasibility is challenged.

Maddy summaryHR 4040, the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, requires federal agencies and states to collect and report detailed data on recycling and composting practices. It mandates the EPA to create reports on composting infrastructure capabilities, federal agency recycling/composting rates, and end-market sales of recyclables, while also developing a national inventory of materials recovery facilities. The bill directly affects federal agencies, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes by requiring standardized reporting on recycling rates, facility capabilities, and contamination rates. Key mechanisms include biannual facility inventories, standardized reporting metrics for recyclable diversion rates, and voluntary guidelines to improve labeling and public education on proper sorting. The goal is to strengthen data collection to address contamination issues and support infrastructure improvements, without imposing new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FASD Respect Act, establishes a new federal program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The bill creates FASD Centers for Excellence to build state, tribal, and national capacity for prevention, identification, and support services - directly affecting individuals with FASD, their families, and healthcare providers. Key provisions include developing standardized diagnostic guidelines, expanding screening and training for medical professionals, creating a national resource directory for FASD services, and promoting culturally informed interventions. The program requires HHS to report to Congress on progress within four years. This legislation restructures existing HHS authority to focus comprehensively on FASD across the lifespan, replacing older terminology with consistent "FASD" references.

Maddy summaryHR 4184 repeals legal protections for gun manufacturers and sellers under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. It allows victims of gun violence to use gun trace data from the ATF's Firearms Trace System in civil court cases. This data, previously protected from discovery, can now be subpoenaed, admitted as evidence, and relied upon in lawsuits against gun sellers or manufacturers. The bill directly affects victims seeking legal recourse and gun industry defendants in civil litigation.

Maddy summaryHR 4166, the Support UNFPA Funding Act, authorizes annual U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) over five years. It directly supports UNFPA’s global programs serving women and girls in over 150 countries, particularly focusing on reducing preventable maternal deaths, expanding access to contraception, ending gender-based violence, and addressing harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. The bill specifically directs funding toward UNFPA’s core work in developing nations, humanitarian crises (such as in Ukraine and Yemen), and rebuilding health systems post-pandemic, without altering UNFPA’s existing operations or policies.

Maddy summaryThe American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 would create two pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrants. The "Dream Act" portion would provide conditional permanent resident status to individuals who entered the U.S. as children, have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and meet educational requirements (such as completing high school, earning a degree, or enrolling in education programs). The "American Promise Act" portion would provide permanent residency to individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of specific dates (January 1, 2017, or January 20, 2021). The bill includes provisions for background checks, fee exemptions for low-income applicants, and processes for removing conditional status after meeting specific criteria like completing higher education or earning income.

Maddy summaryHR 3027 reauthorizes the Reclamation Climate Change and Water Program by extending its authorization period from 2023 to 2033. The bill amends Section 9503(f) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to update the program's expiration date. This extension allows the Bureau of Reclamation to continue administering the program, which supports climate change adaptation and water management initiatives, through 2033. The change ensures ongoing funding and operations without requiring new legislative action for the same period.

North Pacific Ocean Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in the following areas of the Outer Continental Shelf: the Washington/Oregon planning area, the Northern California planning area, or the Central California planning area.

Maddy summaryThe GLOBE Act of 2023 requires the U.S. Department of State to document and report on violence and discrimination against LGBTQI people worldwide in annual country reports, with specific requirements to identify countries criminalizing LGBTQI status. It establishes a Special Envoy for LGBTQI Human Rights to coordinate U.S. government efforts internationally and creates targeted sanctions against foreign officials responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI individuals, including denying visas and imposing financial penalties. The bill also includes provisions to improve U.S. foreign assistance programs to better support LGBTQI communities, reform immigration processes to better protect LGBTQI asylum seekers, and ensure inclusive policies in diplomatic and consular settings. These measures aim to advance LGBTQI rights globally through diplomatic, financial, and policy mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 3489, the Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act of 2023, prevents the military from reducing or taking back veterans’ disability compensation when they receive separation pay or voluntary separation benefits upon leaving service. The bill amends federal law to ensure veterans’ disability compensation (paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs) cannot be reduced because they received separation pay, and limits deductions from retirement pay to 25% per month, with hardship considerations. It requires the military to provide clear 90-day notice before deductions and allows waivers if repayment would cause financial hardship. This directly affects veterans who received separation pay and later qualify for disability compensation or retirement pay under VA or military programs.