Rep. Cory Mills

Maddy summaryHR 6242, the VOTES Act of 2023, expands voting rights for military service members overseas by updating the definition of eligible voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). The bill replaces "active duty" with "active duty, active service, or inactive duty-training" throughout UOCAVA, ensuring service members in reserve training (inactive duty) qualify for absentee voting just like those on active duty. This change directly affects U.S. military personnel serving overseas in any duty status under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. The law takes effect for elections after January 1, 2025, making absentee voting procedures more inclusive for all uniformed service members.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 29, 2024, as "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day" to honor the organization's 125th anniversary. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging government agencies and the public to observe the day with ceremonies, though it creates no new laws or policy changes. The resolution recognizes the VFW's historical service to veterans but does not directly affect any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryHR 2864, the Countering CCP Drones Act, adds DJI Technologies (Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited) and its equipment/services to the list of prohibited communications products under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. The bill directly affects U.S. federal agencies and entities receiving federal funds by prohibiting them from using DJI's telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services. Its key mechanism requires federal agencies to remove DJI equipment from their networks and bans future procurement or use of such equipment. This policy change aims to address security concerns related to Chinese-owned drone technology in U.S. communications infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHR 9299, the IRAN Act, requires the U.S. Secretary of State to lead federal efforts promoting internet freedom and access to information in Iran. It amends a 2012 law to mandate specific strategy updates, including evaluating how activists use virtual private networks (VPNs) and satellite tech, developing guidance to prevent sanctions from blocking internet tools for Iranians, and planning to bypass government internet blackouts. The bill directs the State Department to coordinate with Treasury, Commerce, USAID, and intelligence agencies to implement these updates. This affects U.S. government agencies' coordination and aims to improve internet access for Iranian civil society activists.

Maddy summaryThe Counter SNIPER Act (HR 9282) establishes a formal process for presidential and vice-presidential candidates seeking protective details from the U.S. Secret Service. If the Secretary of Homeland Security denies a request, they must provide a written explanation within 14 days, detailing the criteria not met, and allow candidates to request reconsideration with supporting evidence. The Secretary must then issue a final written decision within 14 days of the reconsideration request. Additionally, the bill requires the Director of the U.S. Secret Service to be appointed by the President with Senate confirmation.

Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2024 This bill prohibits states or localities from imposing a levy or collecting an excise tax on the sale of a firearm, ammunition, or any part or component thereof, by a manufacture or retailer.

Maddy summaryHR 9158 requires U.S. colleges and universities to immediately report to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) if a student holding an F-1 or J-1 visa supports a designated foreign terrorist organization. This applies to students on temporary visas for academic or exchange programs who endorse or participate in activities linked to such groups. If verified, the State Department would revoke the student's visa, and Homeland Security would begin removal proceedings. The bill targets specific visa holders directly affected by terrorism-related activity, with no broader policy changes beyond this reporting and enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryHRES 1377 is a procedural resolution requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide the House of Representatives with all relevant documents, records, and communications about the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump within 7 days of the resolution's adoption. It specifically mandates the transfer of Secret Service protection records, DHS-SS communications, and audio/video recordings related to Trump's Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally on that date. The resolution does not change policy but demands transparency by directing the executive branch to disclose existing materials. It directly affects the Department of Homeland Security and its Secretary, who must comply with the 7-day deadline.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act (HR 8281) requires U.S. citizens to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like passports, REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs, or birth certificates, and mandates that states verify citizenship using information from government agencies like DHS and Social Security. States must establish processes for voters without required documentation to provide an attestation under penalty of perjury. The law also requires states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls when verified evidence shows they're not citizens. This bill directly affects all applicants registering to vote in federal elections and state election officials who must implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 1365 is a non-binding House resolution calling for the immediate termination of Kimberly Cheatle as U.S. Secret Service Director. It directly addresses the Secret Service Director and the executive branch, though it has no legal force to remove her from office. The resolution’s sole provision is a formal request for her termination, reflecting the sponsors' position on her leadership. As a symbolic gesture, it does not change her employment status or require any action from the President or Secret Service.