Rep. Mike Kelly

Maddy summaryThis bill approves and implements a new trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan, negotiated by the American Institute in Taiwan and Taiwan's Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. The agreement aims to strengthen economic ties by addressing areas like supply chain security, investment screening, health, science, technology, and the digital economy. The bill establishes requirements for the President to consult with Congress before implementation, submit reports on how the agreement benefits US workers and businesses, and provide transparency about future trade negotiations. It also clarifies that the agreement doesn't override US or state laws and requires any future agreements to follow a similar approval process with congressional review.

This resolution honors and recognizes the patriotism and contributions made by generations of veterans service organizations, veteran advocacy groups, and volunteers and commends the members of such organizations for their dedicated service to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and their communities. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to promote awareness of the contributions and dedication of members of veterans service, organizations, veteran advocacy groups, and volunteers to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. Additionally, the resolution calls on citizens to follow the example of such groups and volunteer support and services to those who have served the country.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HRES 622), not a substantive bill. It expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' gratitude and congratulations to the U.S. Coast Guard for its maritime border security efforts in fiscal year 2022. The resolution cites specific achievements like interdicting over 330,000 pounds of narcotics, 12,500 illegal immigrants, and 6,300 vessel boardings. It has no policy impact or legal effect - it solely serves to honor the Coast Guard's service.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds spotted lanternfly control to the list of high-priority research initiatives funded by the USDA. It enables federal grants for developing and sharing practical tools to combat this invasive insect pest, directly affecting agricultural researchers and farmers in affected areas (like Pennsylvania, where the pest causes significant crop damage). The key provision modifies existing law to specifically include lanternfly research under funding programs, without changing current grant rules. The bill also extends the funding authorization period for such initiatives through 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand employee ownership opportunities by making it easier for S corporations to adopt Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). It extends tax deferral benefits for selling company stock to ESOPs, establishes a Treasury Department office to provide technical assistance for ESOP adoption, and amends small business laws to ensure ESOP-owned businesses remain eligible for small business programs. The bill also creates a new "Advocate for Employee Ownership" position within the Department of Labor to promote employee ownership and assist with related issues. These changes would directly affect S corporations considering or already using ESOPs, as well as employees who would become partial owners of their companies through these plans.

Maddy summaryHR 5053, the Wage Equity Act of 2023, prohibits employers from using an applicant's past salary to set pay or requiring disclosure of wage history, aiming to prevent gender-based pay discrimination. It requires employers to conduct voluntary job and wage analysis audits to identify and address pay disparities based on sex, with legal protections for those who complete audits in good faith. The bill also bans employers from restricting employees' discussions about wages or retaliating against those who discuss pay or request explanations for pay differences. These provisions directly affect employers nationwide and employees, particularly women, by promoting transparency and addressing systemic pay gaps.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 60 is a symbolic congressional resolution calling for the immediate release of Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen and former teacher imprisoned in Russia since 2021. It states Fogel was sentenced to 14 years for carrying medical marijuana (prescribed in Pennsylvania for his chronic pain) in his luggage, which the resolution deems an unjust and disproportionate sentence compared to typical Russian penalties for similar offenses. The resolution urges the Russian government to release Fogel, respect his human rights, and allow consular access, while also demanding the release of other detained U.S. citizens like Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. It emphasizes Fogel’s health decline and the U.S. State Department’s failed humanitarian request for his release. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses congressional support but does not alter U.S. policy or law.

Preserving Family Farms Act of 2023 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $13 million (currently, $750,000) the limitation on the special use valuation for farmland or other trades or businesses for estate tax purposes. The increased amount is adjusted for inflation for estates of decedents dying after 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands employee ownership in S corporations by extending tax deferral for selling company stock to employee ownership plans (ESOPs), creating a Treasury Department office to provide education and technical assistance for ESOPs, and amending small business rules to maintain eligibility for government programs after ESOP ownership exceeds 49%. It establishes a new Labor Department "Advocate for Employee Ownership" to coordinate federal efforts, educate stakeholders, and recommend policy improvements. The bill directly affects S corporations using ESOPs, their employees who become owners, and small businesses that might lose government program access due to ESOP acquisitions. Key provisions include tax incentive extensions, new support offices, and updated small business classification rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins marking the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. It authorizes three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), with surcharges of $35, $10, and $5 respectively. The surcharge proceeds will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with no net cost to taxpayers as the Treasury must recover all minting costs through the surcharges. The coins can only be issued during 2025, and the Treasury must ensure all costs are covered before distributing funds to the Heritage Foundation.