Rep. Christopher H. Smith

Maddy summaryHRES 559 is a non-binding House resolution declaring U.S. policy that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable. It states the U.S. must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons under any circumstances, use all means necessary to stop this, and support allies like Israel in doing so. The resolution does not create new laws or programs but formally expresses congressional position on Iran's nuclear program. It directly affects U.S. foreign policy direction and diplomatic messaging, not specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryThe Rape Kit Backlog Progress Act of 2023 requires states and local governments receiving federal crime-fighting grants to conduct comprehensive inventories of all sexual assault kits (both tested and untested) and report key details to the Attorney General. It mandates that jurisdictions document victim consent for testing, upload DNA results to the national CODIS database, establish electronic tracking systems for victims, and implement victim notification protocols. States must submit these reports annually to maintain eligibility for federal grants, with the Attorney General publishing a public annual report on backlog status and compliance. This law directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors handling sexual assault cases, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in processing evidence.

This concurrent resolution condemns Cuba and China for their reported intent to build a joint military training base on Cuba. The concurrent resolution condemns China and Cuba for their active discussions to create a joint military base. It also calls for China to immediately withdraw its military and intelligence assets from the island of Cuba.

This resolution condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel and expresses sympathy and solidarity with the families of those held hostage or killed in those attacks.  The resolution also adjourns the House of Representatives in honor of those killed and unaccounted for.

Maddy summaryHRES 775 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning a rally held by the New York City-Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA) on October 8, 2023. The resolution states the rally included antisemitic elements like chants supporting Hamas, a displayed swastika, and the burning of an Israeli flag, and criticizes the NYC-DSA for linking the October 7 Hamas attack to Israel's "apartheid regime." It formally expresses the House's support for Israel and opposition to antisemitism, but has no legal effect as it is a symbolic statement. The resolution directly addresses the NYC-DSA's actions and the House's position on antisemitism.

Maddy summaryHRES 774 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the influx of known or suspected terrorists along the U.S. northern border as a national security threat. It cites statistics showing 432 such encounters in fiscal year 2023 (up 38% from 2022), with a 1,889% increase in monthly encounters since President Biden took office in 2021. The resolution specifically demands Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas implement a plan to better secure the northern border. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law or policy but expresses congressional concern based on the cited data.

This resolution condemns the release of $6 billion in sanctioned Iranian funds and urges the immediate rescission of the waiver that allowed for the transfer of such assets. It also condemns potential violations of the Taylor Force Act, which prohibits U.S. foreign assistance from directly benefiting the Palestinian Authority except for certain humanitarian purposes.

This resolution urges the President to demand the release of all hostages in Gaza. The resolution also urges the President to maintain all applicable sanctions on Iran and to use all other coercive and diplomatic resources to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Gaza.

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.