Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Maddy summaryHR 7849, the Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act of 2024, establishes a federal grant program to help homeowners in high-risk disaster areas make their homes more resilient. The program provides up to $10,000 per household (adjusted annually for inflation) for specific qualifying mitigation activities, such as reinforcing roofs, installing flood barriers, or creating fire-resistant landscaping. Homeowners must have an adjusted gross income under $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) and the work must meet FEMA-established standards. States and tribal governments administer the program, with funds intended to incentivize insurance companies to offer or increase coverage in vulnerable areas.

Maddy summaryThe Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2024 establishes a competitive grant program to help colleges and universities improve graduation rates for high-need students, including those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, caregivers, students with disabilities, and military-connected individuals. Eligible institutions must propose evidence-based reforms (categorized by research strength) and detail how grant funds will support student retention through services like mentoring, academic support, career preparation, and transfer pathway improvements. The bill reserves 2% of funds for Tribal Colleges and Universities and requires 20% of funds to prioritize the highest-research-backed reforms (tier 3), while mandating specific uses like emergency financial aid and career coaching. It also mandates evaluations to measure reform effectiveness and requires a congressional report within 18 months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe AADAPT Act reauthorizes and expands the Project ECHO grant program to specifically address Alzheimer's disease and dementia care. It provides $1 million annually (2026-2031) for grants to eligible health care entities - such as rural clinics, tribal organizations, or community health centers - to develop online training programs for primary care providers working in underserved areas (including rural, frontier, or medically underserved communities). These programs aim to improve provider retention, increase early diagnosis of dementia, and enhance quality care. The bill requires grantees to report on outcomes and ensures funding supplements, rather than replaces, existing resources.

Maddy summaryHR 7504, the Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act, expands a VA transportation grant program to specifically assist rural veterans and tribal organizations. The bill modifies eligibility by adding "rural or highly rural" to program criteria, allows tribal organizations to apply for grants, and sets a maximum grant amount of $60,000 (up to $80,000 for ADA-compliant vehicles). It defines "rural" using USDA's RUCA system and "tribal organization" per the Indian Self-Determination Act, ensuring grants directly support transportation access for veterans in remote areas and tribal communities.

Maddy summaryHR 7781, the AI PLAN Act, requires Treasury, Homeland Security, and Commerce secretaries to jointly submit annual reports to Congress on AI risks in financial crimes, fraud, and misinformation. These reports must detail interagency efforts to protect financial markets, businesses, and supply chains, including specific risks like deepfakes, voice cloning, election interference, and synthetic identities. Within 90 days of each report, the agencies must also provide legislative recommendations and best practices for mitigating these AI-driven threats. The bill focuses on creating a structured reporting process for federal agencies, not on enacting new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 149) is a symbolic congressional statement condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, specifically the forcible transfer and abduction of Ukrainian children. It directly addresses the Russian government, citing evidence including Ukrainian reports of over 2,300 children kidnapped and Russia's policy granting citizenship to children born in occupied territories after February 24, 2022. The resolution formally declares these actions violate the Genocide Convention (Article II(e)) and claims Russia is attempting to erase Ukrainian identity by targeting children. As a non-binding resolution, it holds no legal force but expresses the House's official stance against these practices.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 97) recognizes the gender wage gap, noting that women working full-time earn 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. It highlights racial disparities (e.g., Latinas earn 57 cents, Black women 69 cents) and the economic impact of the gap, including $965 billion in annual lost wages for women. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the issue and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to addressing wage inequality.

Maddy summaryHRES 1074 is a symbolic House resolution reaffirming congressional support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It explicitly states the House supports Israel's right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state and recognizes Palestinians' right to sovereignty through a separate state. The resolution identifies a two-state solution as the best path to lasting peace and condemns efforts opposing this approach. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law or policy but formally expresses the House's position on this issue. It was introduced by multiple House members on March 12, 2024.

Maddy summaryHR 7577, the CHEERS Act, creates a new tax deduction for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues by expanding eligibility under the energy efficiency tax code (Section 179D). It defines "qualified energy-efficient draft property" as stainless steel or aluminum containers and tap equipment used for alcohol distribution in these businesses, treating them as eligible for the existing energy efficiency tax deduction. This change applies to equipment placed in service after the bill's enactment date, directly benefiting hospitality businesses that own or lease such equipment. The provision modifies existing tax code language without creating new tax rates or altering other regulations.

Maddy summaryThe DEFIANCE Act of 2024 creates a federal civil remedy for individuals whose intimate images are disclosed without consent or who are victims of digital forgeries (computer-generated or altered images appearing authentic). It allows victims to sue in federal court for up to $150,000 in damages, attorney fees, and court orders to stop further disclosure, provided the act occurred in interstate commerce. The law includes privacy protections like pseudonyms and sealed court filings, and sets a 10-year statute of limitations from the date of discovery or the victim’s 18th birthday. It explicitly preserves state laws that offer stronger protections for victims.