Rep. Christopher H. Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from using government funds to purchase or operate drones (unmanned aircraft systems) made by "covered foreign entities," primarily targeting entities linked to foreign governments, especially those tied to China as defined in the bill. It directly affects federal agencies and contractors receiving federal funding for drone acquisitions or operations. Key provisions include specific exemptions for national security research, counterterrorism, or cybersecurity needs, and a waiver process requiring approval from Homeland Security or Defense. The law aims to reduce reliance on potentially risky foreign drone technology by restricting federal funding for such systems.

Maddy summaryThe Neighborhood Homes Investment Act creates a new tax credit for developers who rehabilitate or build affordable homes in distressed communities. The credit is calculated based on the difference between rehabilitation costs and the sale price, with homes required to be sold at affordable prices to qualified homeowners with incomes up to 140% of the local median family income. The bill targets specific "qualified census tracts" defined by high poverty rates, low homeownership, and below-average home values. Developers must ensure homes are sold to qualified homeowners who use them as primary residences for at least five years, with additional safeguards to prevent program abuse and ensure fair housing practices.

This resolution states that BridgeUSA programs are vital to the economy and to U.S. national interests. The resolution also states that U.S. embassies and consulates should prioritize processing J-1 visas for such programs. (BridgeUSA is the name for what was formerly known as the Exchange Visitor Program. Participants from other countries come to the United States to participate in various exchange programs, such as exchange programs for professors, trainees, interns, and au pairs.)

Maddy summaryHR 3827, the Protect Our Workers Act of 2023, requires the Army Corps of Engineers to provide uniform guidance to its districts on enforcing prevailing wage requirements for construction contractors and subcontractors. The bill mandates that districts investigate worker or third-party complaints about unpaid wages within 30 days and make certified payroll reports publicly accessible (not exempt from disclosure). It directly affects federal construction workers and contractors on Army Corps projects by addressing issues like misclassifying skilled workers as unskilled to avoid higher wage rates. The law aims to improve consistent enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act, which ensures workers on federal projects receive locally prevailing wages.

Short Line Railroad Relief Act This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to provide emergency grants or enter into contracts and other agreements for capital projects for short line railroads. A project must protect, repair, reconstruct, or replace short line railroad equipment and facilities in danger of suffering catastrophic damage, or that have suffered catastrophic damage, as a result of an emergency. An emergency includes a natural disaster affecting a wide area or a catastrophic failure from any external cause that results in the declaration of an emergency or a major disaster.

VA Canine Reporting Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the average time it took to provide a veteran with a service or guide dog in the prior year. The report must also include legislative recommendations to reduce such wait time.

Maddy summaryHR 3792 extends U.S. security funding for Israel through 2028 (Section 3) and expands energy cooperation to include advanced nuclear technologies and carbon capture (Section 5). It requires annual reports on regional security partnerships involving Israel (Section 6) and ensures countries in the Abraham Accords can access U.S. development programs (Section 8). The bill also mandates reports on diplomatic efforts against ICC investigations targeting the U.S. and Israel (Section 10) and encourages people-to-people programs to strengthen the Abraham Accords (Sections 7, 9). These provisions directly affect Israel’s diplomatic engagement, security partnerships, and economic cooperation in the Middle East.

Maddy summaryHR 3773, the Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act, requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to prohibit any event promoting antisemitism on campus. This includes not hosting, facilitating, funding, or supporting such events. The bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism - including contemporary examples - as the standard for determining prohibited conduct. The law directly affects all institutions covered by the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Maddy summaryHR 3693, the Migrant Relocation Transparency Act, requires federal agencies (HHS for minors, DHS for adults) to consult with state governors and local leaders at least three business days before moving non-detained migrants. It mandates monthly reports to Congress, state governors, and the public detailing migrant numbers by family status, age, gender, country of origin, housing types, work permits, federal spending, and security screenings. The reports must be published online and include specific data on resettlement methods, educational resources, and whether relocations are temporary or permanent. This bill directly affects state/local officials and federal agencies managing migrant relocation, aiming to increase transparency in federal migration policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for expenses related to "qualified access technology for the blind" under the Internal Revenue Code. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $2,000 per year (adjusted for inflation) for costs paid for hardware, software, or IT that converts visual information into formats usable by blind individuals, covering the taxpayer, their spouse, or a dependent who is blind. The credit is limited to $2,000 over any three consecutive tax years per blind individual and expires after 2028. It directly affects blind individuals and their families who purchase qualifying assistive technology. The credit cannot be claimed for expenses already covered by other tax deductions or credits.