Rep. Bill Foster

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a one-time $40,000 payment to former Air America employees who served at least five years during 1950-1976, or to their survivors (widows/widowers, dependents, or children). Additional $8,000 payments are provided for each full year of service beyond five years. The total funding is capped at $60 million, with claims due within two years of regulations being finalized. It does not create ongoing benefits or change Air America’s legal status, and payments are issued as a single lump sum.

Maddy summaryThe No Cost Educational Resources Act of 2023 creates federal grants to help colleges and universities replace expensive purchased textbooks with free digital open educational resources (OER) in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. It requires institutions applying for grants to detail plans for collaboration between library staff, faculty, and other schools to adopt OER, with priority given to schools serving high numbers of low-income or minority students. The bill mandates that grants support only STEM courses using freely accessible digital materials as required readings, rather than purchased textbooks. Institutions must also report on cost savings for students and the increase in OER courses after two years.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR 6031) requires public elementary and secondary schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that specifically prohibit harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. It mandates schools to collect and publicly report annual data on bullying incidents while establishing clear grievance procedures for students and parents. The bill also requires states to submit biennial reports on school compliance and supports evidence-based interventions, such as restorative practices, to reduce exclusionary discipline. This legislation directly affects all public K-12 schools and students in the U.S., aiming to create safer learning environments through standardized policy requirements and data transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 5797, the Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2023, targets fraud in immigration services by imposing criminal penalties on individuals who falsely claim legal authority or defraud immigrants. It makes it a federal offense to execute schemes involving false promises about immigration services (up to 10 years in prison) or falsely represent oneself as an attorney (up to 15 years), requiring full reimbursement to victims. The bill mandates that immigration service providers (non-lawyers charging fees) identify themselves and disclose fees when assisting applicants, and allows immigrants to withdraw fraudulent applications without penalty. It also requires government agencies to create outreach programs educating immigrants on legitimate legal services and establish procedures for corrected filings.

This resolution requests the Department of State to transmit to Congress a statement on human rights practices in Azerbaijan, including the steps the United States has taken to promote human rights in the region and an assessment of whether circumstances exist that necessitate a continuation of security assistance for Azerbaijan.

Maddy summaryHR 5097 establishes new federal funding programs to support the development of alternative proteins - foods that mimic animal meat using plants, cell cultivation, or fermentation. It allocates $15 million annually (2024-2028) for Centers of Excellence focused on research and workforce training, $10 million for USDA research, $50 million for manufacturing grants to U.S. companies and institutions, and $25 million for workforce development programs. The bill requires the USDA to create a national strategy coordinating multiple federal agencies to advance this sector. These provisions directly affect U.S. businesses, universities, and workers in the alternative protein industry by providing targeted funding for research, production, and job training.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to require all U.S. colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to create detailed anti-harassment policies covering physical, online, and institution-sponsored settings. It mandates policies prohibiting harassment based on race, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, religion, and other protected characteristics, including harassment via institutional email, computers, or electronic messaging. The bill also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund colleges developing prevention programs, victim support services, and training for students and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. These policies and grants must comply with existing civil rights laws like Title IX but add specific requirements for reporting and prevention.

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.