Rep. Jill N. Tokuda

Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act This bill establishes requirements to protect marine mammals adversely affected by climate change, including by establishing a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor the adverse impacts of climate change on marine mammals. In addition, it also requires NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to issue regulations that list marine mammal species in waters under U.S. jurisdiction for which climate change is more likely than not to result in a decline in population abundance, an impeded population recovery, or a reduced carrying capacity (i.e., the maximum population of a marine mammal species that an area will support without undergoing deterioration). The NMFS and the USFWS must update the list at least once every five years and issue regulations that include climate impact management plans for species on such list. The bill also directs the NMFS and the USFWS to review agreements with foreign governments concerning the management of marine mammals that are or may be affected by climate change. The Department of State must initiate amendments to such agreements or negotiate the development of such agreements in a manner consistent with the goals of the bill.

Maddy summaryHR 1320, the COAST Anti-Drilling Act, bans new oil and gas leasing in four specific coastal areas: the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas of the outer Continental Shelf. The bill amends federal law to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any leases or authorizations for exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or minerals in these regions. This directly affects coastal states and marine ecosystems in those areas by preventing new offshore drilling projects. The law creates a permanent restriction on new leasing in these designated zones.

Maddy summaryThe Food Deserts Act creates a federal grant program to help establish grocery stores in underserved communities by funding state revolving funds. States receive capitalization grants (up to $150 million for FY2022) to provide low-interest loans to grocery stores that meet specific criteria, such as selling unprocessed, affordable healthy foods and matching 20% of the loan with non-federal funds. Priority is given to stores hiring local workers, offering nutrition education, sourcing from local farms, and having established supply chains. The program directly supports grocery store operators in areas with limited access to fresh food, aiming to improve community health outcomes through increased access to nutritious options.

Maddy summaryThe Outdoors for All Act establishes a federal grant program to fund outdoor recreation projects in underserved communities. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants to eligible entities (like states, cities, tribal organizations, or nonprofits) for acquiring land, developing parks, or renovating outdoor facilities in qualifying urban areas (population 25,000+ or tribal lands) or low-income communities (where 30%+ of residents have incomes at or below 80% of local median income or 200% of the federal poverty line). Grants require a 100% cash or in-kind match (with limited waivers), prohibit funding for indoor facilities or maintenance, and prioritize projects enhancing park access, engaging youth, creating jobs, or improving environmental benefits like reducing urban heat islands. The program mandates annual reporting and focuses on concrete community outcomes rather than speculative results.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the 1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act to establish a new "Macadamia Tree Health Initiative" under Section 1672(d). It authorizes federal research and extension grants for specific activities including developing pest control tools, creating area-wide pest management programs, surveying macadamia production, and studying tree biology and pesticide impacts on beneficial insects. The initiative is funded through annual appropriations for fiscal years 2024 through 2035. It directly affects macadamia growers and researchers in growing regions by directing federal resources toward addressing threats like plant pests and noxious weeds.

Maddy summaryHR 965, the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act, updates an existing agricultural research program to better protect coffee crops. It authorizes grants for specific research activities, including developing pest control tools, establishing integrated pest management programs, surveying coffee plant health, and studying coffee plant biology and pesticide impacts. The bill extends the funding authorization period for these grants from 2023 to 2035. This directly supports coffee growers and agricultural researchers in coffee-producing regions by providing long-term resources for science-based solutions to crop threats.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses congressional support for designating March 21, 2023, as "National Agriculture Day." It symbolically recognizes agriculture's economic importance as a major U.S. industry, celebrating its impact on jobs and communities. The bill does not create new laws, funding, or regulations - it is a non-binding statement of support. It directly affects the agricultural sector by highlighting its contributions through a formal congressional acknowledgment.

Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act This bill expands eligibility for a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Under the bill, service performed in Guam or its territorial waters between August 15, 1958, and July 31, 1980, provides a veteran who has a specified disease that is associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents with eligibility for a presumption of service-connection. (Under current law, the eligible time frame for service in Guam is between January 9, 1962, and July 31, 1980.)

Maddy summaryHCONRES 23 is a non-binding resolution expressing Congress's support for recognizing March 10, 2023, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day." It honors abortion providers and clinic staff for delivering essential reproductive healthcare amid increased restrictions following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The resolution condemns the Dobbs ruling, affirms Congress's commitment to protecting providers' safety, and emphasizes ensuring access to abortion care. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThe New Deal for New Americans Act of 2023 establishes a National Office of New Americans within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal efforts supporting immigrant and refugee integration. It creates several grant programs to provide legal assistance, English language training, and workforce development for immigrants, with specific provisions to reduce financial barriers to citizenship through fee waivers and modifications to English language requirements for seniors. The bill also establishes a "Proud to Be a United States Citizen Program" to promote naturalization and creates automatic voter registration for newly naturalized citizens. These provisions directly affect immigrants and refugees seeking citizenship and integration support, as well as federal agencies responsible for immigration services. The bill aims to improve access to citizenship, enhance integration into American society, and support refugees through comprehensive federal coordination.