Rep. Bill Huizenga

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the federal building at 985 Michigan Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, as the "Rosa Parks Federal Building." It updates all federal references to the building to use this new name and repeals prior designations (Public Law 109-98 and sections of Public Law 109-101) that used different names for the same building. The bill affects federal records, maps, and documents referencing the location but does not create new policies or impact citizens.

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.

Health Care Practitioner Disaster Protection Act This bill extends certain liability protections available for health care practitioners who provide voluntary health care services in declared emergencies through a community health center other than the one that initially sponsored them. Current law makes the liability protections available to volunteer practitioners that are sponsored by a particular community health center. This bill maintains the liability protections for a volunteer practitioner who provides services through a different community health center if the center (1) seeks the assistance of the volunteer practitioner to respond to a declared emergency, and (2) promptly notifies the Department of Health and Human Services that the volunteer practitioner will be providing services.

Maddy summaryHRES 738 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' view that the U.S. education system should aim for virtually all students to read at grade level or better. It encourages states and schools to implement one-on-one tutoring for students with reading gaps of one year or more, five days a week, until they reach grade level. The resolution also urges collaboration between government agencies and private organizations to address literacy gaps in K-12 students and establish adult literacy programs for those reading below eighth-grade level. It directly affects students struggling with reading and adult learners, but does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHRES 739 is a House resolution disapproving of a September 11, 2023, sanctions waiver that would release $6 billion in Iranian assets held in South Korea. The resolution states this waiver weakens U.S. policy by allowing Iran access to funds that could support its nuclear program and terrorism, and criticizes the delayed notification to Congress. It specifically condemns the administration's nonenforcement of mandatory sanctions and the release of assets without proper congressional review. The resolution demands the administration submit any Iran nuclear agreement to Congress before further sanctions relief. This is a procedural disapproval, not a law altering sanctions.

Maddy summaryHR 5641, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and their support staff continue receiving pay during fiscal year 2024 if Congress fails to pass regular budget appropriations. It appropriates existing Treasury funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, reserve components, and civilian employees or contractors supporting military operations. The bill automatically terminates on January 1, 2025, or earlier if Congress enacts a regular budget or continuing resolution. This provision directly affects service members, Department of Defense staff, and Coast Guard personnel (when not under the Navy) during budget implementation gaps.

Maddy summaryHR 5337, the Retirement Proxy Protection Act, amends ERISA to clarify how retirement plan fiduciaries (like 401(k) plan managers) must handle voting on company shareholder proxies. It requires fiduciaries to act solely in participants' financial interest when deciding whether to vote, considering economic impact and costs, while allowing them to skip voting on proposals affecting less than 5% of plan assets in a company. The bill establishes "safe harbor" rules that protect fiduciaries from liability if they follow policies limiting voting to proposals with material economic impact or asset thresholds. It also mandates recordkeeping of voting decisions and monitoring of third-party advisors managing these votes, effective January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHR 5561, the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023, prevents federal agencies from using emergency declarations to implement gun control measures. It specifically prohibits the President from declaring a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act or the Robert T. Stafford Act for gun control purposes, and stops the Health and Human Services Secretary from declaring a public health emergency under the Public Health Service Act for the same reason. The bill also amends the Stafford Act to explicitly prohibit any emergency-related restrictions on possessing, manufacturing, selling, or transferring firearms, ammunition, ammunition feeding devices, or firearm accessories. This directly affects how federal agencies can respond during emergencies without violating the Second Amendment. The law aims to limit executive actions during emergencies that could restrict gun rights.

Maddy summaryHR 4739, the Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act, amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to improve assistance for orchardists and nursery tree growers experiencing tree loss. It lowers the mortality threshold from 15% to "normal mortality," requires replacement activities within 12 months (or as needed for tree survival), and allows growers to use assistance for alternative replanting options like different tree varieties, stand densities, or locations - without exceeding the original assistance amount. The bill also excludes growers with 75%+ farming income from gross income limits and mandates the Secretary to notify applicants within 120 days of application status. This directly affects growers facing tree loss due to pests, disease, or other causes, streamlining program access and flexibility.