Rep. Burgess Owens

Maddy summaryHRES 769 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating October 10, 2023, as "Real Women’s Day." It states opposition to biological men competing in women’s sports, citing concerns about biological differences affecting athletic competition, and opposes changes to Title IX that would allow such competition. The resolution references specific instances where biological men won women’s sports titles between 2003-2022 as justification. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new law or policy but formally expresses the House’s position on the issue.

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 summaryThis bill prevents the U.S. government from rejoining the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) or similar agreements until the President certifies to Congress that UN nuclear inspectors have full access to all Iranian nuclear sites and completed their verification report. It directly affects the executive branch's ability to negotiate or rejoin nuclear agreements with Iran. The key provision requires specific certification about inspector access and report completion before any U.S. re-engagement with Iran on nuclear matters. This is a procedural bill focused on setting conditions for future executive action, not creating new programs or altering existing policy.

Maddy summaryHR 5959, the GAZA Act, would bar individuals holding passports issued by the Palestinian Authority from entering the United States. Specifically, it makes such individuals inadmissible, ineligible for visas or parole, and unable to receive immigration benefits under U.S. law. The bill directly affects Palestinian Authority passport holders seeking U.S. entry or immigration status. It creates a specific visa restriction based solely on the passport authority issuing the document.

Maddy summaryHRES 758 is a symbolic resolution designating the first Wednesday in October as National Energy Appreciation Day. It expresses the House's support for recognizing energy workers - across oil, gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, and renewable sectors - who power the U.S. economy and improve quality of life. The resolution cites statistics on energy's role in job creation (7.8 million U.S. jobs), poverty reduction, and national security, but does not create new laws or funding. As a non-binding resolution, it solely aims to raise awareness of the energy industry's contributions. (HRES 758, introduced October 3, 2023)

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 summaryHRES 732 is a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating September 30-October 7, 2023, as "National Student Athlete Mental Health Week." It directly addresses college and high school athletes (over 650,000 college participants) by encouraging colleges and athletic departments to reduce mental health stigma and promote campus resources. Key provisions include urging institutions to integrate mental health awareness into training, highlight existing support services, and align with NCAA mental health initiatives. The resolution does not create new laws but aims to raise public awareness during a dedicated week, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

Maddy summaryHR 5768, the University of Utah Research Park Act, transfers ownership of approximately 593 acres of land in Salt Lake City from the U.S. government to the University of Utah. The bill releases the government's reversionary interest (the right to reclaim the land) without requiring payment, specifically for land described by its 1968 patent and survey details. This directly affects the University of Utah, granting it full ownership of the land designated for its research park. The bill makes no new policy changes but finalizes a property transfer that has been pending since the land was originally patented.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends existing aviation programs and tax authorities through December 2023. It modifies deadlines for airport improvement grants (extending $842 million in funding for Q4 2023), unmanned aircraft regulations, FAA operations, and key tax collections like fuel and ticket taxes. These changes maintain current funding levels for airports, airlines, and FAA programs relying on the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The bill does not create new programs but ensures continuity of existing authorizations. It directly affects airports receiving federal grants, airlines paying aviation taxes, and FAA operational activities.

Maddy summaryHR 5695, the "No Work, No Pay Act of 2023," requires that Members of Congress forfeit pay for each day a government shutdown occurs during their pay period. It directly affects all current members of the House and Senate (defined as those serving under specific pay scales) by withholding a daily portion of their salary equal to one day’s pay for every 24-hour period the shutdown lasts. The bill mandates payroll systems to calculate and exclude this amount based on the number of shutdown days within the pay period, with the Treasury Secretary assisting implementation. This applies to the 119th Congress and all subsequent sessions.