Rep. Jodey C. Arrington

Maddy summaryHR 6612, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2023, clarifies who qualifies for U.S. citizenship at birth under the 14th Amendment. It amends immigration law to define that a child born in the U.S. is "subject to the jurisdiction" for citizenship if one parent is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident living in the U.S., or an active-duty military member. The bill directly affects children born in the U.S. to parents in these specific categories, ensuring they meet the citizenship definition without altering the constitutional right itself. It explicitly states this definition applies only to births occurring after the law's enactment, leaving existing citizenship status unaffected for those born before. The bill aims to codify existing constitutional principles through specific, narrow criteria for parental status.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows ordained ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who currently have Social Security exemptions to revoke that exemption. They can file an application by the due date of their second tax year after December 31, 2025 (2027), choosing to pay Social Security taxes starting in 2026 or 2027. Once revoked, the exemption cannot be reinstated, and late filings require back payment of taxes for the affected year. The IRS must also create a plan within 90 days to inform clergy about this option.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally designates specific highway segments as Interstate Routes I-27, I-27E, I-27W, and I-27N under existing federal law. It amends the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act to clarify the numbering for routes previously referenced in the law, including segments near Lamesa, Texas, and routes along U.S. Route 287 and U.S. Route 87. The bill makes no new policy or funding changes - it only updates official route designations. This is a technical administrative adjustment affecting highway numbering, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 66 disapproves a specific rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding small business lending under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The resolution, if passed, would prevent this CFPB rule from taking effect by declaring it "have no force or effect." The rule in question (88 Fed. Reg. 35150) aimed to clarify how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications under existing equal credit laws. This disapproval directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and would block the rule's implementation for small business lenders and financial institutions.

Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Hamas to immediately release all 199 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution condemns Hamas for the attack, the taking of hostages, and threats against hostages, while stating that holding hostages violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. It demands the immediate release of all hostages and expresses sympathy for victims and their families. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create legal obligations but formally expresses the House's position.

Maddy summaryHRES 683 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's support for diplomatic efforts to encourage Mexico to fulfill annual water delivery commitments under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico treaty. The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (over a 5-year cycle) to the U.S., but Mexico has historically delayed deliveries until the cycle ends. The resolution specifically acknowledges water shortages faced by South Texas farmers and urges Mexico to meet its annual obligations, while supporting negotiations for more reliable water agreements. It does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages diplomatic action to address the delivery delays.

Maddy summaryHRES 877 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that condemns Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chair Phil Mendelson, and Councilman Charles Allen for their handling of crime in Washington, D.C. The resolution cites rising crime statistics - including increased homicides, robberies, and property crimes - as justification for its condemnation, while noting a reduction of approximately 500 officers in the Metropolitan Police Department. As a symbolic statement with no legal effect, it does not alter any laws or policies but expresses the House's disapproval of the DC government's approach to public safety. This resolution was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability after introduction on November 17, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

Maddy summaryHR 6383 prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using federal funds to implement or enforce a "remain in Texas policy." This policy would require migrants released by DHS or HHS to stay in Texas after entering the U.S. The bill's key mechanism is a funding ban, blocking DHS from enforcing such requirements without congressional approval. It directly affects migrants subject to release by DHS/HHS and DHS operations. The policy change is purely procedural, restricting how federal funds can be used for migration management in Texas.

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.