Rep. Michael Guest

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 summaryHR 6055, the Schools Want Accountability for Threats Act (SWAT Act), increases penalties for threats targeting schools. It amends federal laws to add specific provisions making it a crime to threaten or spread false information about public, private, or religious schools offering early childhood through career education (as defined by state law), with penalties of up to 20 years in prison or fines. The bill applies to threats involving fire/explosives (18 U.S.C. §844), mail/interstate communications (§§875, 876), and false information (§1038). This creates a clear federal criminal penalty for individuals making such threats against qualifying schools, without changing existing school safety protocols.

Maddy summaryHR 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to clarify that federal education funds cannot be used for certain weapons - but this restriction does not apply to archery, hunting, or other shooting sports training programs. The bill directly affects schools and educational programs seeking to use federal funds for these specific activities, such as archery clubs or hunting safety education. It adds an explicit exception to the existing prohibition, allowing funds to support "educational instruction or enrichment activities" in these sports under authorized programs. This change removes ambiguity about funding eligibility for such educational initiatives in K-12 schools.

Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study, and create an approval process for, nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones). Under the bill,  nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft  means an unmanned aircraft that is equipped with one or more nonlethal weapons or devices and is used by law enforcement personnel in scenarios (1) that present significant risk to human life, and (2) in which the suspected criminal is in a position to potentially escalate the situation and expose human life to a high level of risk. Specifically, the FAA must initiate a pilot research program to study the potential use of nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft by law enforcement agencies. As part of the study, the FAA must enter into interagency agreements with various federal, state, and local agencies. The FAA must submit a report on the results of the research program to Congress. The report must include a plan outlining a proposed FAA application process for law enforcement to seek permission to operate nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft. Within 90 days of submitting the report, the FAA must initiate rulemaking to create a process through which the FAA may provide approval to operate these unmanned aircraft.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Coast Guard personnel continue receiving pay during budget gaps specific to the Coast Guard. It mandates automatic funding for military members (including reserves), qualified civilian employees, and contract workers providing essential support during a "Coast Guard-specific funding lapse" - defined as when no Coast Guard funding bill passes before the fiscal year begins. The bill covers pay and benefits for these groups until a formal funding bill is enacted or a budget resolution without Coast Guard funding passes. It does not apply to general government shutdowns but targets only Coast Guard operations. The measure aims to prevent disruptions to critical Coast Guard missions during funding delays.

Maddy summaryHR 5857, the "No IDs for Illegals Act," prohibits federal funding for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Secure Docket Card Program and similar Department of Homeland Security initiatives. This bill directly affects ICE and DHS by blocking all federal financial support for these specific immigration enforcement programs. The key provision is a funding ban, preventing the use of taxpayer dollars to establish, implement, or support the Secure Docket Card Program. It does not change immigration laws or requirements for individuals, only restricting federal financial backing for this particular program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of technology needs for securing U.S. maritime borders within two years of enactment, with biannual updates for four years. The analysis must evaluate current and emerging technologies to address threats like drug trafficking, human smuggling, cybersecurity risks, and gaps in surveillance, while considering operational impacts and coordination with agencies. DHS must report findings to Congress, focusing on how technology can enhance border security, improve resource deployment, and support legal trade without mandating specific technology purchases or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures continued pay for certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees during a government funding gap in fiscal year 2024. It specifically covers CBP agents at Southwest, Northern, and maritime border ports of entry, and ICE officers conducting immigration enforcement (including detainment/removal) and investigations into criminal operations like drug trafficking and human smuggling. The funding, drawn from general Treasury funds, would apply if a budget lapse begins on October 1, 2023, and would last until January 1, 2024, or until new funding is enacted. It directly affects these frontline enforcement personnel by guaranteeing their salaries during a potential government shutdown.

Drought Assistance Improvement Act This bill modifies access to two Farm Service Agency (FSA) administered programs: the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). The bill modifies the LFP to allow for one monthly payment when a county has four consecutive weeks of a D2 rating (severe drought) and two payments for eight consecutive weeks of D2. Currently, one payment is available for eight consecutive weeks of D2. (LFP makes payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses on drought-affected pastureland, including cropland planted specifically for grazing.) The bill also expands coverage under ELAP for losses caused by adverse weather or drought. The bill includes under ELAP the loss of a crawfish harvest due to adverse weather or drought. (ELAP provides payments to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish as compensation for losses due to disease, adverse weather, feed or water shortages, or other conditions that are not covered under other programs.) The FSA must establish ELAP documentation standards for (1) collecting data, (2) the production of crawfish, and (3) defining loss conditions due to drought.