Rep. Jefferson Van Drew

Maddy summaryHRES 1293 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing Elisjsha Dicken, a resident of Seymour, Indiana, for stopping an armed shooter at a Greenwood mall in July 2022. The resolution cites Dicken's actions as saving lives within 15 seconds and notes Indiana's repeal of a handgun permit requirement enabled his lawful carry. It includes statistics on defensive gun use from a CDC study and quotes a police chief calling Dicken "heroic." As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and solely honors Dicken's conduct. (HRES 1293, 117th Congress, 2022)

This resolution expresses support for U.S. Border Patrol agents, denounces the politicization and falsification of claims against agents in Del Rio, Texas, and calls on the Biden administration to support front line agents.

Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to prioritize review of supplemental applications for over-the counter oral contraceptives that are intended for routine use. It also removes certain limitations in relation to such products and health savings accounts, flexible spending arrangements, and other arrangements (e.g., limitations on the number of items that may be purchased).

Return Home to Housing Act This bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act or the VA CPE Modernization Act This bill modifies the program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses specified full-time health care professionals for continuing professional education expenses. Under current law, only board-certified physicians and dentists are eligible for such reimbursement. The bill expands the program to require reimbursement for various specified full-time health care professionals (e.g., registered nurses) and increases the amount available for a physician or dentist. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that an individual be board-certified to receive reimbursement. The VA may adjust the amounts available based on inflation.

Stronger Schools Act This bill requires the Department of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to make physical improvements at elementary and secondary schools. Grant funds must be used to ensure that each elementary and secondary school served by the LEA (1) hires a school resource officer who carries a firearm, and (2) establishes a single point of entry that includes a locked anteroom with metal detectors and bulletproof windows and where the school resource officer inspects all guests prior to entry into another area of the school.

Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022 This bill requires a designated officer of the Department of Justice to act as the national coordinator of an Active Shooter Alert Communications Network regarding an emergency involving an active shooter. The bill sets forth duties of the coordinator, including to work with state, tribal, and local governments to encourage coordination of various elements of the network. The coordinator must also encourage federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies to establish procedures for responding to active shooters. Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on state and local responses to active shooters and situations requiring the issuance of a public alert or warning.

Prevent Exposure to Narcotics and Toxics Act of 2021 or the PREVENT ACT of 2021 This bill requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make containment devices available to its officers, agents, and other personnel and to provide mandatory and recurrent training on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other lethal substances.

Defunding Abortion Transportation Act This bill prohibits federal Medicaid payment for nonemergency transportation that is used to access medical care or services for which federal payment is prohibited (e.g., abortion services).

No Patient Left Alone Act of 2022 This bill requires hospitals, as a condition of Medicare participation, to have certain written policies and procedures that provide for patient visitation rights and to inform patients of such rights, including any applicable restrictions.