Rep. Daniel S. Goldman

Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act of 2023 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award grants to create or expand programs at minority-serving institutions that foster, promote, and increase opportunities for minority entrepreneurship and business ownership. The SBA must also establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Advisory Board to develop recommendations regarding how these institutions can better serve minority businesses and entrepreneurs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 872) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to transatlantic cooperation in combating antisemitism across Europe. It calls on European governments and the European Union to implement national strategies against antisemitism, standardize data collection on incidents, share best practices, and include Holocaust education in school curricula. The resolution specifically urges European countries to address rising antisemitic incidents documented by reports from ADL and Tel Aviv University, which show widespread antisemitic attitudes in multiple European nations. It does not create new laws but emphasizes collaboration to protect Jewish communities and counter online hate. The resolution directly affects European governments and Jewish communities in Europe through its recommendations for policy action.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a tax incentive allowing businesses to immediately deduct costs for cleaning up contaminated properties (brownfields). It modifies the tax code to permit these deductions for expenses paid between 2012-2022 and starting in 2027. The change directly affects developers and property owners involved in brownfields redevelopment projects, enabling them to reduce taxable income for cleanup costs. The policy update avoids requiring capitalization of remediation expenses over time, providing immediate tax relief during specified periods.

Maddy summaryHR 6404, the Disarming Cartels Act, requires the Department of Homeland Security to enhance border security efforts to disrupt the smuggling of U.S.-sourced firearms and related munitions into Mexico. Key provisions mandate increased collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Mexican authorities; establishing information-sharing mechanisms for firearm interdictions; analyzing recovered firearms in Mexico to trace U.S. sources; and expanding outbound inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing implementation progress, joint operations, and performance metrics for these efforts. This legislation directly affects DHS agencies, Mexican government partners, and aims to address cross-border firearm trafficking through concrete operational changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 861 is a non-binding resolution calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all detained Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and civilians. It demands Azerbaijan provide information on missing persons, allow independent monitoring of detainees' conditions, and comply with international law. The resolution also urges the U.S. President to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for abuses and suspend military aid under existing law. This resolution directly addresses Azerbaijan’s government, targeting its actions regarding Armenians detained since the 2020 conflict and the 2023 Artsakh offensive.

Maddy summaryHR 6293, the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2023, would extend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to require that incarcerated workers in public or privately operated correctional facilities receive fair wages. The bill directly affects individuals working in prisons or related programs (like UNICOR or work release) by prohibiting deductions for board, lodging, or court-imposed fees from their wages. Key provisions amend the FLSA to define "incarcerated worker" and explicitly state that such workers must be paid at least the minimum wage, with costs for facilities and court fees excluded from their earnings. This would ensure incarcerated workers keep more of their earnings from prison labor programs.

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.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryHR 6172, the AMMO Act, requires federal firearms licensees (dealers/manufacturers) to implement new rules for selling ammunition to non-licensed buyers. It prohibits transfers exceeding 100 rounds of .50 caliber or 1,000 rounds of other calibers within any 5-day period and mandates written certification from buyers confirming they haven’t exceeded these limits. Licensees must also conduct background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before selling ammunition to non-licensed individuals, similar to firearm sales. The bill includes recordkeeping, signage, and reporting requirements for violations, with penalties including fines up to $250,000 for licensees and $50,000 for buyers making false statements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 839) condemns antisemitism at U.S. colleges and universities and urges campus leaders to publicly oppose hate speech targeting Jewish students, faculty, and staff. It encourages university presidents, administrators, and faculty to speak out against speech that promotes violence or discrimination based on religion, national origin, or ancestry. The resolution specifically calls on institutions to support Jewish student organizations and ensure Jewish members can study and work without fear. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but expresses congressional support for addressing antisemitism on campuses.