Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett

Maddy summaryThe Expediting Disaster Recovery Act (HR 6084) creates a new "unmet needs assistance" program under FEMA's disaster relief framework. It allows the President to allocate up to 10% of a disaster's estimated federal grant funds for immediate home repairs, economic recovery support (like business assistance), and other critical needs not covered by existing aid - directly benefiting disaster victims who lack sufficient support. The bill also extends individual assistance eligibility from 12 to 24 months after a disaster declaration and requires FEMA to submit detailed reports on disaster declarations, denial reasons, and recovery center operations. These changes aim to streamline support for affected individuals and communities while adding transparency through new reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 819 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the 5-year anniversary of the October 27, 2018, antisemitic attack at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which killed 11 people. It condemns antisemitism and references rising hate incidents, including the Anti-Defamation League’s 2022 report of record antisemitic activity (3,697 incidents). The resolution honors the victims, expresses solidarity with affected Jewish communities, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combatting hate and protecting religious freedom. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect but serves as a formal statement of congressional stance.

Maddy summaryHRES 799 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Virgin Islands National Guard's 50th anniversary. It commends the Guard for 50 years of service to the Virgin Islands and the United States, highlighting their contributions to national defense, disaster response (including hurricanes and the pandemic), and military operations since 1973. The resolution specifically acknowledges the thousands of servicemembers and their families who have served, made sacrifices, and supported community safety. It does not create new policies or affect any group through legislative action.

Maddy summaryHR 5931 requires the U.S. Department of Defense to provide Congress with a briefing within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The briefing must detail Chinese activities in Africa that the Defense Department identifies as threatening U.S. national security, along with the department's plan to counter those actions. This bill directly affects the Department of Defense, Congress, and U.S. national security policy regarding Africa. It is a procedural measure focused on information gathering, not on creating new regulations or funding. The bill does not specify the content of the briefing or the nature of the Chinese activities, only mandating the delivery of the information to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal Medicaid law to exclude certain costs spent by State Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa from federal payment limits. Specifically, it ensures that if these territories qualify for a payment under a specific Medicaid funding provision for a calendar quarter, their MFCU expenditures won't count toward the federal funding cap for that period. The change directly affects these three U.S. territories' Medicaid programs by providing additional flexibility in how fraud prevention costs are accounted for in federal funding calculations. This is a procedural adjustment to existing Medicaid financing rules, not a new benefit or service.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and its member Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to recognize the UNCF's 80-year service. It directs the U.S. Treasury to strike the medal and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. The medal commemorates the UNCF's role in supporting HBCUs and African-American students through scholarships and fundraising, as detailed in the bill's findings. The measure is purely ceremonial and does not create new policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of technology needs for securing U.S. maritime borders within two years of enactment, with biannual updates for four years. The analysis must evaluate current and emerging technologies to address threats like drug trafficking, human smuggling, cybersecurity risks, and gaps in surveillance, while considering operational impacts and coordination with agencies. DHS must report findings to Congress, focusing on how technology can enhance border security, improve resource deployment, and support legal trade without mandating specific technology purchases or funding.

Maddy summaryHRES 738 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' view that the U.S. education system should aim for virtually all students to read at grade level or better. It encourages states and schools to implement one-on-one tutoring for students with reading gaps of one year or more, five days a week, until they reach grade level. The resolution also urges collaboration between government agencies and private organizations to address literacy gaps in K-12 students and establish adult literacy programs for those reading below eighth-grade level. It directly affects students struggling with reading and adult learners, but does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices to reimburse contractors for paying employees during government funding lapses (e.g., shutdowns). It covers costs for furloughed, laid-off, or reduced-hour workers, or for restoring paid leave used during the lapse, with a weekly cap of $1,442 per employee. Directly affecting federal contractors and their employees who experienced work disruptions due to funding gaps, it mandates agencies to make these adjustments promptly after enactment. Contractors must provide proof of costs, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy must report on implementation to Congress within a year.

Maddy summaryHR 5086, the COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2023, amends the Food and Nutrition Act to exclude certain cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) from counting as income for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. Specifically, it removes increases from Social Security (Title II), Supplemental Security Income (Title XVI), Railroad Retirement, and Veterans benefits (38 U.S.C. §5312) from SNAP income calculations when determining household eligibility. This change directly affects SNAP recipients whose benefits include these COLAs, potentially allowing more households to qualify for assistance. The amendment takes effect October 1, 2024.