Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett

Maddy summaryHR 255, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act, requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to study and develop plans to simplify disaster assistance applications for individuals and organizations seeking aid after disasters. It directs FEMA to coordinate with agencies like the Small Business Administration and HUD to reduce duplicate paperwork and create a public website tracking how disaster aid is distributed. The bill also mandates a working group to identify inefficiencies in initial damage assessments and explore technologies like drones to speed up these assessments. FEMA must submit a comprehensive report to Congress and the public within two years, including recommendations for improving the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Office of National Drug Control Policy through 2031 with updated definitions and expanded focus on harm reduction. Key provisions include requiring the Director to submit a report on opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone, increasing funding for fentanyl interdiction activities ($5 million minimum annually), and expanding data collection requirements on drug use patterns and treatment effectiveness. The bill updates definitions to better address emerging drug threats and precursor chemicals, and mandates a Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy to address drug trafficking through the Caribbean region. It affects federal agencies involved in drug control, law enforcement, and public health, requiring coordinated efforts to reduce drug use and improve access to life-saving treatments.

Maddy summaryThe SHIELD Act of 2024 makes it a federal crime to knowingly distribute non-consensual intimate images of adults (e.g., photos showing genitals, pubic area, or female nipples without privacy expectations) or nude images of minors with intent to harm, abuse, or degrade. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared without consent and those distributing such content, including social media platforms under specific conditions. Key provisions criminalize distribution causing psychological, financial, or reputational harm, with penalties up to 3 years in prison for minor-related cases and 2 years for adult cases, plus asset forfeiture. Exceptions cover law enforcement, legal reporting, medical/educational use, and platforms that don’t actively promote such content.

Maddy summaryHR 6751 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame baseball player and humanitarian, including 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins. The coins must feature Clemente's image and inscriptions like "Roberto Clemente" and "2027," with all sales including a surcharge ($5-$35 per coin) paid to the Roberto Clemente Foundation. The foundation, which supports youth sports, education, and disaster relief programs, will use these funds for its mission, while the U.S. Treasury must recover all production costs. The coins will be sold exclusively in 2027, with no net cost to the government.

Maddy summaryThe Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (HR 807) directs the U.S. Treasury to mint three types of commemorative coins honoring working dogs' service: $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins with specific weight and composition requirements. Each coin will carry a surcharge ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars) that will be paid directly to America's VetDogs to support their programs providing service dogs for veterans, the disabled, and others. The coins will be issued in 2027 with designs reflecting working dogs' roles in military, detection, therapy, and assistance work. The legislation specifies that all surcharge revenue must fund America's VetDogs' operations without creating new government programs. This is a commemorative measure focused on honoring working dogs' contributions through coin sales, with all surcharge funds going to a specific nonprofit organization.

Maddy summaryThe RECRUIT Act of 2024 creates a tax credit for small employers who hire reservists from the National Guard or military reserves. Employers with fewer than 500 average employees can claim a 40% credit on wages paid to qualifying reservists, with the credit amount increasing based on service duration: $1,000 base plus up to $10,000 more for reservists with 180+ days of active service. The credit applies to wages paid after December 31, 2023, and excludes inactive-duty training days. This policy directly supports small businesses by offsetting costs of retaining military reservists who serve significant periods in uniformed service.

Maddy summaryThe Hire A Hero Act of 2024 creates a new tax credit for small businesses that hire members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard. Specifically, it adds a new provision to the tax code allowing eligible employers to claim a credit for wages paid to these military reservists. This extends an existing work opportunity credit for veterans and permanently adds the Ready Reserve and National Guard to the qualifying groups. The bill also includes provisions to ensure U.S. territories with tax systems similar to federal law receive compensation for any revenue loss from this tax change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1558) is a symbolic House of Representatives measure supporting October as "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally expresses the House's support for raising awareness about domestic violence and its impacts, and urges continued backing for existing programs that address domestic violence. The resolution cites statistics on domestic violence prevalence (e.g., 24 people per minute affected by intimate partner violence) to underscore the importance of the observance. It directly affects public awareness efforts but does not change policies or directly impact individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement within the U.S. Department of State. The council, composed of up to 12 members representing diverse African American and African immigrant communities, advises the Secretary of State on strengthening U.S. government connections with the African diaspora in the United States. Key functions include recommending strategies to advance equity, support UN initiatives, expand cultural and economic programs (like the Young African Leaders Initiative), and foster diaspora engagement in trade and development. The council meets quarterly, reports to relevant congressional committees, and operates using existing Department of State funding.

Maddy summaryThe National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024 creates a federal grant program to help states implement or expand initiatives that provide medically prescribed, nutrient-rich food (like fresh produce or tailored meals) to address chronic health conditions and food insecurity. States must partner with healthcare providers and community organizations to offer these interventions, using locally-sourced, sustainably produced food grown through regenerative or organic methods. The program requires states to evaluate outcomes like reduced hospital visits and improved health metrics, with reports submitted to the federal government after three years. It directly affects state Medicaid programs and healthcare providers participating in these initiatives.