Rep. Christopher H. Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for housing undocumented immigrants on public lands managed by specific federal agencies. It blocks the use of federal money to provide temporary or permanent shelter (including encampments) for "specified aliens" - defined as individuals not legally admitted to the U.S. - on lands under the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, or Forest Service. The restriction applies to all housing arrangements, including leases or contracts, and directly affects how these agencies manage public lands. The policy change prevents federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to support shelter for non-admitted immigrants on federally managed properties.

Maddy summaryHRES 905 is a House resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, first articulated by President James Monroe in 1823. The resolution formally recognizes the doctrine's historical significance in establishing U.S. policy against foreign colonization in the Western Hemisphere and its enduring influence on U.S. foreign policy. It resolves that the House will "commemorate" the anniversary, "reassert" the U.S. position against foreign malign influence threatening Western Hemisphere democracies, and "recognize" the doctrine's principles as a foundational element of U.S. foreign policy. This is a purely ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding implications.

Maddy summaryThis bill targets U.S. business activities that could help specific countries of concern (North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran) develop critical technologies. It requires the President to identify "covered sectors" (including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, hypersonics, and high-performance computing) and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in certain activities involving these technologies with entities in countries of concern. The bill also mandates that U.S. persons submit notifications about certain activities involving these technologies, with requirements for public comment and transparency. It establishes reporting requirements for the President to Congress on implementation and impact, and includes provisions for national interest waivers.

Maddy summaryHRES 887 is a symbolic resolution calling on the American public to observe a weekend of prayer and reflection from November 17-19, 2023. It specifically urges people to pray for Israelis affected by the October 7 Hamas attack, civilians in Gaza caught in the conflict, and the safe return of hostages. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose obligations - it is a non-binding request for public reflection. As a procedural resolution, it directly addresses U.S. citizens without affecting any specific government programs or policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 875 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for National Adoption Day (November 18, 2023) and National Adoption Month (November). It does not create new laws or policies but formally encourages the public to consider adoption and recognizes the importance of permanent families for children in foster care. The resolution highlights that approximately 114,000 children in the U.S. foster system await adoption and emphasizes the goal of securing safety and permanency for all children. It urges Americans to support adoption efforts during November and throughout the year. This resolution has no direct legal effect on adoption processes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning November 13, 2023, as "National Apprenticeship Week" through symbolic congressional support. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the value of registered apprenticeships in providing paid on-the-job training, industry credentials, and career pathways. The resolution highlights apprenticeships' role in developing skilled workers, supporting high-wage sectors like healthcare and green energy, and promoting diversity in training opportunities. It aims to increase public awareness of apprenticeships as an effective "earn-and-learn" model for workers and employers.

Maddy summaryThe CLARITY Act of 2023 prohibits U.S. federal agencies from acquiring or contracting for equipment, systems, or services that use specific foreign adversarial blockchain networks (including China's Blockchain-based Services Network, Spartan Network, and others) as a substantial or essential component. It requires a two-year transition period for agencies to switch to alternative technologies, with limited waivers allowed only for compelling national security reasons and requiring detailed phase-out plans. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress assessing risks to U.S. national security, economic interests, sanctions enforcement, and global financial systems from these technologies. This directly affects federal agencies and companies providing the banned blockchain services, focusing on mitigating threats from foreign adversaries' infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHR 6297, the Payer State Transparency Act of 2023, requires the federal government to calculate each state's annual federal tax burden and federal spending. It mandates that individual tax payments be counted as a burden on the state where the person resides, and business taxes be allocated proportionally based on where business activity occurs. Similarly, federal spending (including contracts) must be allocated by state based on where work is performed. The results will be published annually in a public report to Congress and online by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize the U.S. government to confiscate Russian sovereign assets held in U.S. jurisdiction and use those funds to support Ukraine's reconstruction and humanitarian needs following Russia's invasion. It prohibits releasing these blocked assets until Russia fully compensates Ukraine or agrees to an international compensation mechanism. The bill establishes a "Ukraine Support Fund" to hold confiscated assets and requires regular congressional reporting on how these funds are allocated for Ukraine's recovery. It also includes provisions for international coordination with allies on sanctions and asset management related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.