Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryHR 6152, the Adopt GREET Act, requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt and use the GREET model - a scientific tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory - for calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of transportation fuels. The bill mandates the EPA update this methodology every five years, starting 90 days after enactment, and specifically requires the first update to use the GREET model. This directly affects the EPA in its regulatory work and fuel pathway developers seeking approval for new fuels under existing EPA rules. The law ensures EPA analyses of fuel emissions align with the most current scientific model, with reporting requirements if updates are delayed.

Maddy summaryHR 6076 establishes a $600 million program to fund energy efficiency improvements for small- and medium-sized manufacturers (defined as businesses with 750 or fewer employees in manufacturing sectors 31-33). Qualified entities like state energy offices, tribes, or nonprofits receive grants to provide subgrants directly to these manufacturers for projects that reduce electricity or natural gas use. The bill requires all iron and steel products used in funded projects to be "produced in the United States" (with limited waivers for cost or availability issues), and mandates labor compliance checks for contractors. It also requires manufacturers to develop energy management plans and share data on energy savings with program managers.

Maddy summaryHR 5976, the Youth Mental Health Research Act, establishes a new NIH research initiative led by the National Institute of Mental Health. The bill directs collaboration between three NIH institutes to coordinate research on youth mental health, focusing specifically on building community resilience for at-risk youth and improving how mental health services reach young people in schools, communities, and other settings where they live and work. It authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to fund this research. The bill does not create direct services but aims to generate evidence to inform future mental health support strategies for young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill excludes veterans' disability and dependency payments from income calculations for HUD housing assistance programs. It directly affects veterans and their families receiving disability compensation under Title 38, U.S. Code, by ensuring these benefits don't reduce their eligibility or housing assistance amounts. Specifically, it prevents HUD from counting these payments when determining eligibility, benefit amounts, or rent calculations for assisted housing. The policy change applies solely to HUD-administered housing programs, not other federal benefits.

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.

This resolution expresses unwavering support for Israel and a readiness to consider urgent requests for additional assistance to Israel to defend its people and sovereignty. The resolution also states that (1) Israel is entitled to act in self-defense against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and associated forces, as well as their state sponsors; and (2) the cross-border attacks and kidnappings against Israel constitute acts of international terrorism and aggression.

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 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.