Rep. Daniel Webster

Maddy summaryThe Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 would end the practice of changing clocks twice a year for daylight saving time (DST) by making DST permanent nationwide, unless a state chooses to remain on standard time. It repeals the requirement to switch clocks back to standard time in the fall, directly affecting all U.S. states and territories that currently observe DST. The bill allows states that previously opted out of DST under the Uniform Time Act (like Arizona and Hawaii) to maintain their current time zone choices without further action. Key provisions include adjusting time zone offset language in existing law and granting states the authority to select either permanent DST or standard time based on their current arrangements. This change would eliminate seasonal time changes for most Americans, though states could still choose to stay on standard time if they prefer.

Maddy summaryHRES 1566 is a symbolic House resolution honoring all U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2024. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of the estimated 15.8 million veterans living in the U.S. as of 2023, including those who served in conflicts from World War II to post-9/11. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Veterans Day to acknowledge veterans' role in preserving national freedom. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct policy impact but formally expresses congressional recognition of veterans' contributions.

Maddy summaryHR 4587, the Red Snapper Act, prevents the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing fishing area closures in the South Atlantic for red snapper until two data requirements are met. Specifically, NOAA cannot issue rules with area closures until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete and its data is integrated into the official stock assessment. This bill directly affects NOAA’s rulemaking authority and recreational and commercial fishermen in the South Atlantic region who rely on red snapper fishing. The legislation aims to ensure management decisions are based on the latest scientific data before restricting fishing areas.

Maddy summaryHR 9950, the "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act," authorizes three gold medals to be awarded to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team for their historic victory over the Soviet Union during the Winter Olympics. The medals, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be presented by Congress to honor the team's achievement, which revitalized American morale during the Cold War. One medal will be displayed at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, one at the USA Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, and one at the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs. This is a ceremonial honor, not a policy change, directly recognizing the team members and their legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance - including loans, contracts, and other support - from going to small businesses that are either headquartered in China or have more than 25% of their voting stock owned by Chinese-affiliated entities. It directly affects small business concerns meeting either of these criteria, blocking their access to SBA programs. The bill amends the Small Business Act to add this restriction and requires the SBA to update its regulations (including specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations) to implement the change. The policy change is a direct eligibility requirement for SBA programs, with no additional funding or program modifications.

Maddy summaryHR 6656, the "Stuck On Hold Act," requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to implement automated phone systems within one year. These systems must inform callers of expected wait times and offer automatic callbacks if waits exceed 15 minutes. The bill also mandates that both agencies issue guidance to reduce average call wait times to 15 minutes or less. It directly affects veterans and Social Security beneficiaries who contact these agencies by phone, aiming to improve their experience with customer service lines.

Maddy summaryHR 9699, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and key support staff continue receiving pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2025. It appropriates funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, Department of Defense civilians, and qualifying contractors supporting military operations, if regular appropriations aren't enacted. The funding remains in effect until the earliest of: a new appropriations law, a funding resolution without such funding, or January 1, 2026. This bill does not change pay rates or create new policies - it guarantees existing pay continuity during budget transitions.

Maddy summaryHR 9642, the Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act, requires port applicants seeking federal grants for digital infrastructure (like software or digital systems) to address cybersecurity risks. Specifically, applicants must either certify they have an approved security plan or provide a brief description of how they will handle cybersecurity risks if they lack such a plan. This applies to any grant application involving digital infrastructure or software components. The bill amends the port infrastructure grant process to ensure cybersecurity is formally addressed before funding is awarded, directly affecting port authorities and organizations applying for these specific grants. It does not change funding levels or create new programs, only adding security requirements to the application process.

Maddy summaryHRES 1456 is a symbolic resolution designating September 17, 2024, as "Constitution Day" to honor the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. It calls for the people of the United States to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, recognizing the Constitution's historical significance and foundational role in American governance. This resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it is purely a non-binding expression of support by the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHRES 1457 is a symbolic House resolution (introduced September 17, 2024) that condemns Vice President Kamala Harris for her past statements and policy positions related to law enforcement and criminal justice. The resolution cites specific past remarks by Harris (as a U.S. Senator) regarding policing, immigration, and criminal justice reform - including supporting decriminalizing immigration, opposing ICE, and endorsing bail reform groups - and claims these policies "encouraged lawlessness." It does not create new laws or affect anyone legally, as it is purely a non-binding expression of disapproval. The resolution has no policy impact or enforcement mechanism.