Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis

Maddy summaryHR 994, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023, directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to launch a federal public education campaign focused on improving oral health knowledge. The campaign will target specific groups including children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and racial/ethnic minority populations (such as Indigenous and Native Hawaiian communities), using culturally and linguistically appropriate methods. It requires evidence-based prevention education on issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer across HRSA programs like community health centers and maternal health services. The bill authorizes $750,000 annually for fiscal years 2023-2027 and mandates a congressional report on the campaign’s effectiveness within three years.

Manatee Protection Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of the Interior to include the West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ) in the endangered species list and give the species protections provided to endangered species.

Maddy summaryHJRES 33 is a symbolic congressional resolution acknowledging Vietnam War veterans' service and formally apologizing for their mistreatment upon returning home. It recognizes the sacrifice of over 58,000 service members killed and 300,000 wounded during the war, including veterans exposed to harmful herbicides like Agent Orange. The resolution urges the President to acknowledge this mistreatment as part of the Vietnam War Commemoration and issues a formal apology on behalf of the American people. It also calls for increased educational efforts in schools to highlight veterans' courage and the lack of support they faced after the war. (Note: This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it has no direct legal or financial impact.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 139) celebrates the 75th anniversary of NASCAR, marking its founding on February 21, 1948. It commends NASCAR's contributions to the U.S. economy and society, highlighting its role as a global motorsports leader that hosts over 1,200 races annually, supports community initiatives (like donating $43 million to children via the NASCAR Foundation), and drives tourism and entertainment. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or entities. The House formally recognizes NASCAR's historical significance and ongoing impact through this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE for America Act of 2023 eliminates the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, commonly known as the "visa lottery," which provided annual visas to individuals from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates. This change directly affects applicants and participants in the diversity visa program, ending their eligibility for this specific immigration pathway. The bill amends key sections of immigration law (Sections 201, 203, and 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act) to remove references to the diversity program and adjust visa allocation procedures. The changes take effect October 1, 2023, permanently ending this visa category.

Maddy summaryHR 1078, the Veteran Education Empowerment Act, establishes a federal grant program to help colleges and universities create or improve dedicated Student Veteran Centers. The bill authorizes up to $500,000 per institution over four years for centers providing lounge space, benefits counseling, academic support, and peer mentorship specifically for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Eligible institutions must serve a significant veteran population and demonstrate long-term sustainability. The program requires annual reporting on center usage, veteran demographics, and outcomes like degree completion, with the Department of Education mandated to share best practices via a public website. This directly supports veterans navigating higher education challenges like transition difficulties and isolation.

Second Chance at Life Act of 2023 This bill requires abortion providers to disclose information about the possibility of reversing a medication abortion. This is a procedure that uses a medication regimen to terminate a pregnancy, typically with a two-drug protocol. Providers must inform patients that it may be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion after taking the first drug. They must also let patients know that more information and assistance is available on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. At least 24 hours before the procedure, the provider must share this information with the patient in person or by telephone. The provider must also include the information in written discharge instructions after the first drug is dispensed. The bill sets out an exception to these notification requirements when an abortion is necessary to resolve a physical injury or condition that threatens the life of the woman. The provider must document the circumstances giving rise to the exception in the patient's medical file. Furthermore, providers must post signs with this information in their offices or facilities, and HHS must maintain information about reversing medication abortions on its website.

Maddy summaryHR 997, the English Language Unity Act of 2023, would establish English as the official language of the United States government. It requires all federal government functions, including laws, regulations, and public communications, to be conducted in English, with exceptions for national security, disability education, census activities, and public health. The bill also sets uniform English language standards for naturalization, requiring applicants to read and understand the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and U.S. laws, with naturalization ceremonies conducted solely in English. This legislation directly affects federal agencies, government communications, and individuals seeking U.S. citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health care coverage under TRICARE for military dependents. It eliminates a separate premium for young adults aged 21-26 enrolled in the TRICARE Young Adult Program, meaning they will no longer pay an extra fee for coverage. The bill also removes an eligibility restriction that previously limited coverage for some dependents in this age group. These changes directly affect military service members' adult children and spouses who rely on TRICARE Young Adult coverage. The policy update simplifies enrollment and reduces out-of-pocket costs for these beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.