Rep. Jack Bergman

Maddy summaryThe BAD APPS Act requires the Secretary of Defense to create a risk framework assessing foreign mobile applications (like social media or shopping apps) that could threaten Department of Defense personnel or operations. It mandates defining categories of "foreign mobile applications of concern" based on factors like data collection practices, foreign ownership, malicious software, and ties to countries deemed security threats. The framework must be updated annually, and the Secretary must issue guidance to DoD personnel on mitigating risks from these apps on government devices or during official activities. The bill directly affects DoD personnel, operations, and contractors by establishing standardized security assessments for foreign apps.

Maddy summaryHRES 812 is a formal House resolution censuring Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) for pulling a fire alarm during a House vote on September 30, 2023, which disrupted legislative proceedings. The resolution states Bowman violated District of Columbia law (prohibiting false fire alarms) and federal law (prohibiting obstruction of congressional proceedings). As a result, Bowman must publicly appear in the House chamber for the censure reading and is immediately removed from all committee assignments, with no committee service permitted without a majority House vote. This resolution serves as a formal rebuke by the House, not a legal penalty.

Maddy summaryHRES 808 is a resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the October 23, 1983, terrorist attack on U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed 241 service members (220 Marines, 18 Navy sailors, and 3 Army soldiers) and injured over 100 others. The resolution honors the fallen troops, their families (Gold Star Families), and the military's service from 1982-1984 in Lebanon, while reiterating the House's commitment to opposing violent extremism and supporting the military. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effects but formally acknowledges this historical event.

Maddy summaryHRES 774 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the influx of known or suspected terrorists along the U.S. northern border as a national security threat. It cites statistics showing 432 such encounters in fiscal year 2023 (up 38% from 2022), with a 1,889% increase in monthly encounters since President Biden took office in 2021. The resolution specifically demands Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas implement a plan to better secure the northern border. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law or policy but expresses congressional concern based on the cited data.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally rebukes Representative Rashida Tlaib for specific past remarks and a recent vote. It cites her 2019 podcast comments referencing the Holocaust, 2022 statements opposing Israel's government, and her May 2023 vote against a pro-Israel resolution. The resolution also references her October 2023 statement calling Israel an "apartheid state" following Hamas attacks. The House resolves to censure her, stand with Israel, and reject the "apartheid" characterization.

This resolution urges the President to demand the release of all hostages in Gaza. The resolution also urges the President to maintain all applicable sanctions on Iran and to use all other coercive and diplomatic resources to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Gaza.

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 summaryHR 5905, the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act, prevents the FDA from imposing stricter regulations on kratom products currently sold as food or dietary supplements. The bill requires the FDA to hold a public hearing on kratom research within 90 days of enactment, establish a 2-year task force to coordinate federal kratom research, and publish all findings online. It specifically blocks the FDA from treating kratom as a "new dietary ingredient" or adulterated product, maintaining its current regulatory status under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The bill directly affects kratom manufacturers, sellers, and consumers by preserving their ability to market products under existing food/supplement rules.