Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts federal employee pay rates for 2024. It increases basic pay for all federal workers under statutory pay systems and prevailing rate systems by 4.7%, and raises locality pay adjustments by 4.0%. These changes directly affect all federal employees covered by the specified pay systems, including those in wage areas and under sections 5348/5349 of Title 5. The bill implements these raises without altering existing pay system structures or requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 525, the Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to fund school-based mentoring for at-risk students in high-need schools. The bill defines "at-risk" students as those facing challenges like academic failure, homelessness, foster care, trauma, or involvement with juvenile justice. Grantees must provide mentors who complete trauma-informed training and background checks, while programs must track academic progress, social-emotional growth, and workforce readiness through annual reports. The initiative aims to improve school engagement, reduce dropout rates, and prepare students for postsecondary education and careers.

Maddy summaryHR 506, the HARM Act, requires the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization under immigration law within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This designation would directly affect the Wagner Group and its affiliated entities, subjecting them to sanctions under U.S. law. The bill mandates that the designation apply to any successor or affiliated groups engaged in activities against U.S. interests, including operations in Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East. It also requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report on the Wagner Group's international activities to specific congressional committees. The bill focuses on the legal process for designation, not on outcomes or advocacy.

Maddy summaryHRES 49 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2023. It formally acknowledges Lunar New Year's origins in China over 4,000 years ago, its celebration across East and Southeast Asia (including the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese tradition and Year of the Cat in Vietnamese tradition), and its observance by millions of Asian Americans and others in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and all global communities celebrating this holiday and extends well-wishes for a prosperous new year. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to affirm cultural recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames a U.S. Postal Service facility at 620 East Pecan Boulevard in McAllen, Texas, as the "Agent Raul H. Gonzalez Jr. Memorial Post Office." It updates all federal references to the location to reflect this new name. The bill has no policy impact - it is purely a ceremonial designation honoring an individual. No other provisions or affected groups are involved.

Maddy summaryHR 430, the Lunar New Year Day Act, would designate the Lunar New Year as a federal holiday by adding it to the official list of holidays observed by federal employees. This change would require federal offices to close and federal employees to receive a paid day off on the actual date of the Lunar New Year each year. The holiday would be observed annually on the date the Lunar New Year falls, which varies yearly based on the lunar calendar. This bill directly affects federal workers and operations, aligning with existing federal holiday practices.

Maddy summaryHR 286, the Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2023, provides federal grants to healthcare providers to improve security at their facilities. The bill authorizes the Secretary to fund security services and physical/cyber security enhancements, including video surveillance, data privacy measures, and structural improvements. These grants directly help healthcare facilities, personnel, and patients by addressing safety concerns. The law specifies that funds must be used for necessary security costs to ensure safe access to healthcare services. It does not create new mandates but offers financial support for security upgrades.

Maddy summaryHRES 42 is a symbolic resolution expressing the House's desire for the U.S. Postal Service's Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to consider issuing a commemorative stamp honoring late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD). It does not create new law or affect any specific people or policies - it only requests the USPS committee recommend a stamp to the Postmaster General. The resolution highlights Cummings' career, including his service as Oversight Committee Chair and advocacy for issues like drug pricing and postal service stability. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but aims to formally recognize his legacy through a commemorative stamp.

Maddy summaryHR 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, defines "bump stock" as any device or modification that increases the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon to mimic a machine gun. The bill amends federal tax and firearms laws to classify bump stocks as prohibited devices under the National Firearms Act, requiring existing owners to register them within one year of enactment. It directly affects individuals who currently own bump stocks by mandating registration to avoid future possession prohibitions. The law takes effect immediately for new sales but provides a one-year grace period for existing owners to comply with registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 36 is a symbolic resolution supporting Korean American Day, introduced by multiple House members on January 13, 2023. It honors the 120th anniversary of the 1903 arrival of the first large wave of Korean immigrants to the U.S. and recognizes Korean Americans' contributions to U.S. society, economy, and the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The resolution urges all Americans to observe Korean American Day to appreciate these contributions but does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. It is a commemorative measure without binding requirements.