Rep. Laurel M. Lee

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of technology needs for securing U.S. maritime borders within two years of enactment, with biannual updates for four years. The analysis must evaluate current and emerging technologies to address threats like drug trafficking, human smuggling, cybersecurity risks, and gaps in surveillance, while considering operational impacts and coordination with agencies. DHS must report findings to Congress, focusing on how technology can enhance border security, improve resource deployment, and support legal trade without mandating specific technology purchases or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures continued pay for certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees during a government funding gap in fiscal year 2024. It specifically covers CBP agents at Southwest, Northern, and maritime border ports of entry, and ICE officers conducting immigration enforcement (including detainment/removal) and investigations into criminal operations like drug trafficking and human smuggling. The funding, drawn from general Treasury funds, would apply if a budget lapse begins on October 1, 2023, and would last until January 1, 2024, or until new funding is enacted. It directly affects these frontline enforcement personnel by guaranteeing their salaries during a potential government shutdown.

Maddy summaryHJRES 11 proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit Members of Congress to serving a maximum of three terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the Senate. If passed and ratified, it would prevent any member who has already served the maximum terms from running for re-election, including time spent filling vacancies (for more than one year in the House or three years in the Senate). This amendment directly affects current and future members of Congress by changing eligibility rules for re-election. The proposal is currently a joint resolution in the House, requiring ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHR 5641, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and their support staff continue receiving pay during fiscal year 2024 if Congress fails to pass regular budget appropriations. It appropriates existing Treasury funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, reserve components, and civilian employees or contractors supporting military operations. The bill automatically terminates on January 1, 2025, or earlier if Congress enacts a regular budget or continuing resolution. This provision directly affects service members, Department of Defense staff, and Coast Guard personnel (when not under the Navy) during budget implementation gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Director of Homeland Security Investigations to produce annual, publicly accessible reports assessing threats from transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) to the U.S. Within 180 days of enactment and each year after, the report must detail TCO structures, drug smuggling trends (including seizures and drug types like opioids), gang-TCO collaborations, money laundering, and predictive trends for drug trafficking. The reports must be submitted to the House and Senate Homeland Security and Judiciary committees, with unclassified summaries posted online. The bill directly affects DHS, CBP, Coast Guard, and other federal agencies responsible for compiling the assessments, and informs congressional oversight of TCO threats.

Maddy summaryThe Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 amends the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen enforcement of animal welfare standards. It gives the Attorney General authority to bring civil cases for violations, including seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation and injunctions to remove or relocate animals. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and Attorney General to coordinate through a new Memorandum of Understanding, focusing on repeat violators. These changes directly affect dealers, exhibitors, and enforcement agencies by expanding civil enforcement tools and clarifying jurisdiction over rule violations.

Maddy summaryThe Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 bans cosmetic animal testing in the United States, prohibiting companies from conducting or contracting such testing after its enactment (effective 1 year later). It also bans selling or transporting cosmetics developed using animal testing conducted after that date within U.S. interstate commerce. The law directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers operating in the U.S. market, requiring them to use non-animal testing methods for safety evaluations. Exceptions exist for foreign regulatory requirements or when no alternative testing methods are available for specific ingredients.

Maddy summaryHR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Maddy summaryHR 5363, the Robert Cleckler (Bobby) Bowden Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Bobby Bowden, the late Florida State University football coach, for his 377 career wins, two national championships, and humanitarian work. The medal, designed by the U.S. Mint, will be given to Bowden’s next of kin, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover production costs. This bill is purely commemorative and does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 1501, the UAS Act, bans the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from operating, procuring, or renewing contracts for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones) or related components (like flight controllers, software, or detection systems) manufactured in or using technology from "covered foreign countries" (nations identified as foreign adversaries by U.S. intelligence). DHS can request a waiver for national security reasons, but must notify Congress within 14 days. The bill requires DHS to submit a security report to Congress within 180 days detailing existing UAS systems, threat assessments, and potential security risks from foreign-made UAS. This applies solely to DHS operations, not general public drone use.