Rep. Lloyd Smucker

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.

Maddy summaryThe Retirement Savings for Americans Act of 2023 would create a new government-administered retirement savings program called the American Worker Retirement Fund, designed to help workers without access to employer retirement plans. The program would automatically enroll eligible employees (those without existing retirement plans at work) at a 3% contribution rate (with an option to opt out), and provide a government match tax credit for contributions. Participants would have access to various investment options including government bonds, fixed income, and stock index funds, with funds in the account being non-forfeitable and not counting toward eligibility for public assistance benefits.

Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study, and create an approval process for, nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones). Under the bill,  nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft  means an unmanned aircraft that is equipped with one or more nonlethal weapons or devices and is used by law enforcement personnel in scenarios (1) that present significant risk to human life, and (2) in which the suspected criminal is in a position to potentially escalate the situation and expose human life to a high level of risk. Specifically, the FAA must initiate a pilot research program to study the potential use of nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft by law enforcement agencies. As part of the study, the FAA must enter into interagency agreements with various federal, state, and local agencies. The FAA must submit a report on the results of the research program to Congress. The report must include a plan outlining a proposed FAA application process for law enforcement to seek permission to operate nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft. Within 90 days of submitting the report, the FAA must initiate rulemaking to create a process through which the FAA may provide approval to operate these unmanned aircraft.

Maddy summaryHR 5653, the "No Budget, No Pay Act," requires Congress to pass a budget plan by April 15 and all annual funding bills by September 30 each year, or members lose pay for the period starting the day after each deadline until the bills are approved. It directly affects all voting Members of Congress (including delegates) during the specified penalty periods, excluding the Vice President. The bill imposes a financial consequence for missing these budget deadlines, aiming to incentivize timely fiscal planning by withholding compensation for the duration of the delay. This is a procedural mechanism focused on budget process deadlines, not on substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Building Youth Workforce Skills Act (HR 5649) expands access to workforce training for young people by allowing local areas to use existing funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to cover training costs through individual training accounts. It directly affects in-school youth (ages 16-21) and out-of-school youth by enabling them to receive the same training support previously available only to adults and dislocated workers. The key mechanism is amending WIOA to permit these accounts to pay for approved training services provided by eligible training providers. This change streamlines access to job skills training without creating new funding streams.

Maddy summaryHR 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, amends the Clean Air Act to restrict states from implementing vehicle emissions rules that limit the sale or use of new gasoline-powered cars. It directly affects states with stricter emissions standards (like California) by adding a new definition that blocks state rules "directly or indirectly" limiting internal combustion engine vehicles as defined in federal regulations as of January 1, 2023. The bill requires the EPA to revoke existing state emissions waivers granted between January 2022 and the bill’s enactment if they don’t comply with this new definition. This creates a concrete federal standard preventing states from advancing policies that could reduce demand for conventional vehicles.

Maddy summaryThe Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 bans cosmetic animal testing in the United States, prohibiting companies from conducting or contracting such testing after its enactment (effective 1 year later). It also bans selling or transporting cosmetics developed using animal testing conducted after that date within U.S. interstate commerce. The law directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers operating in the U.S. market, requiring them to use non-animal testing methods for safety evaluations. Exceptions exist for foreign regulatory requirements or when no alternative testing methods are available for specific ingredients.

Maddy summaryHR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Maddy summaryHRES 492 is a congressional resolution condemning the Iranian government's systematic persecution of the Baha'i minority, which directly affects Baha'is in Iran facing arrests, property confiscation, and imprisonment. The resolution specifically calls for Iran to immediately release Baha'is detained for their faith, end state-sponsored hate propaganda against them, and reverse discriminatory policies denying equal access to education, employment, and religious freedom. It urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to demand Iran’s compliance with international human rights treaties and to use existing sanctions authorities (under the 2010 and 2012 Iran sanctions laws) against officials responsible for these abuses. The resolution does not impose new legal requirements but serves as a formal U.S. government statement of condemnation and a call for diplomatic and sanctions action.