Rep. Valerie P. Foushee

Maddy summaryHR 698, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023, prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of specific firearms and ammunition devices commonly referred to as "assault weapons" and "large capacity magazines" in interstate commerce. The bill defines "semiautomatic assault weapons" to include rifles like AR-15s and AK-47s, as well as firearms with specific features such as folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels, and detachable magazines holding more than 15 rounds. It exempts law enforcement, military, antique firearms, and weapons already lawfully owned before the law's enactment (known as "grandfathered" weapons). The bill also requires new identification markings on these weapons and large capacity magazines, and adds background check requirements for transfers of grandfathered weapons.

This bill establishes a student loan deferment and forgiveness program for physicians who provide mental and behavioral health services (including substance abuse prevention and treatment services) to racial and ethnic minority groups and low-income individuals. To carry out the program, the Department of Health and Human Services must pay the outstanding principal and interest (up to a maximum limit) on specified federal student loans for eligible physicians who work in qualifying employment. While participating in the program, physicians do not need to pay the principal of their loans but must pay any interest that accrues. To be eligible, physicians must complete a mental or behavioral health professions degree or certificate at a minority-serving institution of higher education. Physicians must also provide mental and behavioral health services for five consecutive years while working either (1) as solo practitioners where at least 30% of patients receive Medicaid and at least 50% of patients are members of racial and ethnic minority groups; or (2) at institutions that accept Medicaid and where at least 50% of patients served by the institution are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Maddy summaryHRES 459 is a resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating June 2, 2023, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2023 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It encourages the public to wear orange, promote gun safety awareness, and discuss community safety measures during this time, particularly highlighting the summer months when gun violence often increases. The resolution references statistics on gun violence deaths and pays tribute to victims like Hadiya Pendleton, but does not create new laws or impose requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program under the Public Health Service Act to provide emergency funding for health care facilities during declared emergencies (like pandemics or natural disasters). It authorizes grants to public or private nonprofit health care facilities and home health agencies to pay hazardous duty compensation to eligible health care workers - such as nurses, medical technicians, and facility cleaners - performing essential on-site work. Grants can cover up to $13 per hour in hazard pay (capped at $25,000 annually per worker) or fund safety measures like personal protective equipment and alternative transit. The program requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine if work or commutes are hazardous during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the U.S. Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. It enables registered businesses (like wineries, breweries, and retailers) to mail alcohol directly to consumers, provided the recipient is at least 21 with valid ID, the shipment isn’t for resale, and state alcohol taxes are paid upfront. The Postal Service must establish rules for delivery, registration, and verification, while explicitly preserving all existing state, local, or tribal laws governing alcohol sales and shipments. The bill does not override state restrictions on alcohol delivery, and the Postal Service remains liable for violations under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Older Americans Act to better serve LGBTQI older adults (defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex individuals, and those living with HIV) by adding specific definitions and creating new support structures. It establishes an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging, led by a Director and Assistant Director, to coordinate services, advocate for this community, and collect data on their challenges. The bill also creates a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging to provide training and resources to organizations serving LGBTQI older adults and requires data collection on discrimination against them in long-term care settings. These changes aim to improve access to culturally competent services and address the unique needs of LGBTQI older adults through concrete policy updates.

Maddy summaryHR 3610, the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, repeals specific sections (4067-4070) of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 from U.S. law. This bill removes the legal authority allowing the president to detain or deport non-citizens during wartime based on that historical statute. The repeal directly affects the federal legal framework governing emergency powers over non-citizens, eliminating a provision dating to the Quasi-War with France. The bill makes no new policy changes but formally removes this outdated legal mechanism from the U.S. Code.

Maddy summaryThe AIR PUMP Act requires airlines to provide nursing crew members (like flight attendants and pilots) with reasonable break time to express breast milk for up to one year after their child's birth, as well as a private, non-bathroom space for this purpose. It specifically excludes breaks during critical flight phases and ensures accommodations won't compromise safety, security, or require significant costs (e.g., aircraft modifications). The bill includes anti-retaliation protections for employees who request accommodations or file complaints, and enforces these requirements through the Department of Labor using existing Fair Labor Standards Act mechanisms. This directly affects airline employees who are nursing parents and their employers, aligning airline workplace policies with federal breastfeeding protections.

Simplify Automatic Filing Extensions Act or the SAFE Act This bill eliminates the penalty for failure to pay income tax for individual taxpayers who timely pay 125% of their income tax liability for the immediately preceding taxable year.

Maddy summaryHR 3548, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, aims to reduce mental health disparities for racial and ethnic minority groups by directing federal funding and policy changes. It increases annual grants for primary/behavioral health services to $60 million in 2023 and $80 million yearly through 2029, prioritizing entities serving minority communities. The bill requires the NIH to study mental health disparities within 9 months and mandates new training for mental health professionals (including social work and psychiatry) on culturally appropriate care. Additionally, it funds a $15 million annual outreach strategy to combat stigma and improve access to care, requiring materials tailored to cultural and language needs of minority groups.