Rep. Donald S. Beyer, Jr.

Maddy summaryThe Expanding Clean Fuel Production Act of 2024 extends an existing tax credit for clean fuel producers by changing the expiration date from December 31, 2027, to December 31, 2037. This directly affects businesses producing eligible clean fuels, such as renewable diesel or sustainable aviation fuel, by allowing them to continue claiming the tax credit for a decade longer. The key provision modifies Section 45Z(g) of the Internal Revenue Code to adjust the credit's end date, maintaining the same eligibility rules. The change applies to fuel sold after December 31, 2027, providing long-term certainty for these producers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal law enforcement agencies from using facial recognition or other remote biometric surveillance technologies (like gait or voice recognition) with body-worn cameras. It directly affects federal law enforcement agencies and state/local governments receiving Byrne grant funding, which requires compliance with similar local bans. The key mechanism bans all use of such technology on footage collected by body cameras - whether during real-time recording or later review - while exempting limited uses like blurring faces for privacy or identifying officers. The bill focuses specifically on preventing body cameras from becoming surveillance tools, not restricting other law enforcement technologies.

Maddy summaryThe Coastal Restoration Act of 2024 establishes a federal Interagency Working Group to coordinate research, protection, and restoration of coastal blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, marshes, seagrass, and tidal wetlands that sequester carbon. The bill requires creating a national map and inventory of these ecosystems, assessing their carbon sequestration potential, vulnerability to climate impacts, and co-benefits like flood protection. It authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2029 to support pilot programs for ecosystem restoration, develop a Coastal Carbon Data Clearinghouse, and provide technical assistance to state, tribal, and local governments. The law mandates regular reports to Congress on progress, strategic planning for future investments, and assessments of how these ecosystems contribute to climate mitigation. These efforts will inform coastal management decisions, climate policy, and potential carbon credit markets while supporting ecosystem resilience.

Maddy summaryThe Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act of 2024 establishes a federal program to map and conserve wildlife corridors that connect habitats across the United States. The bill creates a process for designating "American wildlife corridors" on federal lands, requires agencies to develop maps and science supporting habitat connectivity, and establishes a grant program providing $75 million annually to fund habitat connectivity projects on private lands. It includes specific provisions for Tribal wildlife corridors, requiring consultation with Tribes and providing technical assistance to support Tribal conservation efforts. The bill mandates coordination between federal, state, tribal, and local governments to improve wildlife movement and habitat connectivity, with specific funding authorized for different agencies including Interior, Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce, and Defense.

Maddy summaryHR 9720, the AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, creates a voluntary framework for tracking AI security and safety incidents. It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop common definitions for AI security incidents (exploitable weaknesses) and AI safety incidents (accidental system failures), and to convene industry, government, and civil society to design standardized reporting processes. The bill requires NIST to submit a report to Congress within three years detailing recommendations for voluntary incident sharing, including automated tools and public disclosure norms. It does not impose mandatory reporting or enforcement authority, focusing instead on collaborative development of best practices for AI incident tracking. This affects AI developers, security teams, and federal agencies involved in AI systems.

Maddy summaryThe Secure A.I. Act of 2024 establishes a voluntary national database to track artificial intelligence safety incidents (e.g., risks of physical harm) and security incidents (e.g., data breaches or system manipulation). It requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create this database within one year, allowing private companies, researchers, and others to anonymously report incidents while prioritizing those involving critical infrastructure or widespread AI systems. The bill also includes strong whistleblower protections, prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees who report AI incidents to the database or Congress. Additionally, it mandates updates to existing cybersecurity databases to better handle AI-specific vulnerabilities and creates an AI Security Center at the National Security Agency to support research and secure adoption practices.

Maddy summaryHRES 1473 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that condemns racism, bigotry, and misinformation targeting Haitian people and their descendants. It celebrates the historical contributions of Haitian Americans to U.S. society, including founding cities (like Chicago via Jean Baptiste Point du Sable), advancing civil rights (W.E.B. Du Bois), and enriching healthcare, education, and culture. The resolution specifically calls on all Americans to reject racist tropes and misinformation, and urges elected officials to promote inclusivity and responsible communication. It was introduced in response to recent false claims that fueled threats against Haitian communities, such as the bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio.

Maddy summaryHR 9684, the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, creates a federal grant program to fund evidence-based mental health support programs in secondary schools, where trained student peers provide support to fellow students. Eligible entities - including school districts, tribal organizations, and the Bureau of Indian Education - can apply for grants (max $250,000 per award) to implement or expand these programs. Key requirements include mandatory training for student peer support specialists on topics like recognizing mental health warning signs, empathic listening, and connecting students to professional services, alongside oversight by certified supervisors and school mental health providers. The bill authorizes $20 million annually (2025-2029) for this initiative, prioritizing schools in high-suicide-risk areas or without existing programs, and mandates an evaluation to measure student participation and mental health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. government to immediately restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reversing a temporary funding pause. It repeals two appropriations acts that halted payments and requires the Secretary of State to resume UNRWA funding under existing authorities. The legislation specifically aims to support UNRWA’s critical humanitarian work - providing shelter, education, healthcare, and aid to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan - during an acute famine risk in Gaza. It also mandates quarterly reports to Congress on UNRWA’s implementation of reforms from an independent review, ensuring accountability for its humanitarian mission.

Maddy summaryThe Appalachian Trail Centennial Act designates the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as the official "Designated Operational Partner" for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, formalizing its role in trail maintenance and stewardship. It establishes a "cooperative management system" that defines clear responsibilities for federal agencies, state entities, tribal governments, and volunteer organizations in managing national historic and scenic trails. The bill authorizes cooperative agreements between the federal government and designated partners to share operational responsibilities, including land preservation, facility maintenance, and volunteer coordination. It also requires regular reporting on trail visitation, economic impact on nearby communities, and progress toward land preservation goals, aiming to strengthen the partnership model that has sustained the Appalachian Trail for over a century.