This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Kinship Care Month and encourages Congress to work to improve outcomes for kinship caregivers and their families.
Maddy summaryHRES 695 is a non-binding House resolution commemorating the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in Iranian custody and the nationwide protests that followed. It affirms U.S. support for Iranian women's rights and freedom of expression, calls on Iran to end violence against protesters, and demands the release of all detained activists. The resolution specifically references the deaths of over 500 protesters, mass arrests, and Iran's detention of prominent women writers like Nasrin Sotoudeh and Narges Mohammadi.
Maddy summaryHR 5543, the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2023, automatically continues federal funding for most programs if a new budget isn't passed by the start of a fiscal year. It provides funding at 99% of the previous year's level for the first 90 days, reducing by 1% every subsequent 90 days until a budget is enacted. This applies to federal programs, projects, or activities without an enacted budget or existing continuing resolution, preventing shutdowns by maintaining operations at gradually decreasing levels. The bill ensures funding continues until a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution is signed into law, without affecting existing terms and conditions from the prior year.
Maddy summaryHR 5544, the "Upholding the Power of the Purse Act," modifies federal spending rules to clarify that certain funds held or distributed by the government for state and local governments are not subject to standard deposit requirements. Specifically, it amends Section 3302 of Title 31, U.S. Code, to exempt federal programs where the government acts as a custodian for state/local funds or disperses money to them from the "Miscellaneous Receipts Act" rules. This change directly affects federal grant programs and assistance initiatives that manage funds on behalf of states or local communities. The key provision creates a clear exemption, ensuring these funds are not treated as general government receipts requiring deposit into the U.S. Treasury. The amendment takes effect for fiscal year 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a dedicated "Active Shooter Alert Coordinator" within the Department of Homeland Security to improve public alert systems for active shooter incidents. The coordinator must eliminate gaps in alert coordination (including interstate travel of shooters), work with state/local law enforcement to develop local plans, and encourage grant applications for better alert systems. It also requires new annual reports on alert system usage, local law enforcement participation, and geolocation improvements. The bill directly affects federal agencies, state/local governments, and emergency alerting authorities who manage public warning systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill improves access to donor human milk for high-risk infants by supporting nonprofit milk banks. It amends the Child Nutrition Act to allow states to use funds for collecting, storing, and transferring unprocessed human milk to registered nonprofit milk banks, and creates $3 million in emergency grants for milk banks facing high demand or supply shortages. The bill also requires a public awareness campaign distributing educational materials to healthcare providers (like pediatricians) and WIC program participants, focusing on the safety and benefits of donor milk. These changes directly affect nonprofit milk banks, healthcare providers, and families of high-risk infants needing this resource.
Maddy summaryHR 5455, the Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2023, allows automakers to install pulsating light systems as rear-end collision avoidance technology on new vehicles. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue new regulations within 180 days updating Federal Safety Standard 108 to include performance-based rules for these systems. Specifically, it defines a "pulsating light system" as a high-mounted brake light that flashes rapidly (up to 4 times for no more than 1.2 seconds) before switching to steady light, with a 5-second lockout period after braking stops. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers who must comply with the updated safety standards for brake lights.
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 5411 blocks the Department of Energy from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed energy efficiency rule for residential clothes washers. The bill specifically targets the "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers" rule (proposed in March 2023). This legislation prevents the rule from moving forward, meaning manufacturers would not be required to meet the new efficiency standards for clothes washers under this specific regulation. The bill directly affects the Department of Energy's regulatory process for appliance energy standards.
Maddy summaryHRES 685 is a symbolic House resolution honoring country music legend Hank Williams on the 100th anniversary of his birth. It recognizes his life, legacy, and influence on country music through three specific acknowledgments: his generation-defining impact on the genre, his contributions to American music and culture, and his role in transforming country music into a major cultural force. The resolution does not create new laws, impose obligations, or affect any individuals or groups - it is purely a commemorative gesture with no concrete policy changes. It was introduced by multiple representatives and passed by the House as a formal tribute.
