Sen. Elissa Slotkin

Illicit Arms Trafficking Security Enforcement Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a new unit—a Border Enforcement Security Task Force unit—to investigate transnational criminal organization arms smuggling across the international border between the United States and Mexico. The purposes of the new unit include, among other things, reducing arms smuggling from the United States to Mexico.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 55), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) for their 150+ year service in providing anesthesia care across the U.S., including in rural areas, military facilities, and during public health emergencies like the pandemic. The resolution thanks CRNAs for their "incredible, selfless, and dedicated service" and encourages the public and healthcare stakeholders to acknowledge their work during National CRNA Week (January 23-28, 2023). It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Protecting Dogs Subjected to Experiments Act This bill prohibits the National Institutes of Health from funding biological, medical, or behavioral research that involves testing dogs.

Maddy summaryHRES 95 is a non-binding resolution honoring the 106th anniversary of Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison, Michigan, and recognizing its historical contributions to U.S. military and national security. The resolution commends the base's personnel, reaffirms its importance to national security, and encourages continued cooperation with the Department of Defense. It highlights the base's role since 1917, including its connection to the Tuskegee Airmen and post-9/11 security operations, but does not create new policies or funding. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect and focuses solely on acknowledging the base's service.

This resolution states that the House of Representatives (1) rejects hate, discrimination, and antisemitism; (2) stands united with the Jewish people against rising antisemitism; and (3) condemns antisemitic tropes such as claims of dual loyalty.

Maddy summaryHR 770, the ESP Family Leave Act, amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to create specific eligibility rules for education support professionals and school support staff in public schools and public higher education institutions. It changes the standard FMLA work-hour requirement (1,250 hours) to a new threshold: these workers qualify if they've worked at least 60% of their expected monthly hours for the previous school year. Employers must maintain records of each employee's expected monthly hours, and the bill defines "education support professionals" to include roles like paraeducators, secretaries, custodians, food service workers, security staff, and health support staff. The bill directly affects these support staff members, making it easier for them to qualify for FMLA leave under the revised hours calculation.

Maddy summaryHR 735 (Susan Muffley Act of 2023) requires the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to recalculate and increase monthly pension benefits for participants and beneficiaries in six specific Delphi-related pension plans to their full vested amount. This includes making lump-sum payments for past underpayments, plus 6% annual interest on amounts owed since prior benefit calculations. The bill directly affects eligible retirees and beneficiaries in the Delphi Hourly-Rate Employees Pension Plan, Delphi Retirement Program for Salaried Employees, and four other Delphi pension plans. It does not change existing asset allocations but ensures payments reflect the full pension amount guaranteed under ERISA without prior phase-in limits.

Maddy summaryHR 715, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023, requires background checks for all firearm transfers between private individuals, not just those through licensed dealers. It mandates that unlicensed sellers must involve a licensed dealer to conduct a background check before transferring a firearm, with exceptions for family transfers (like spouses or parents/children), law enforcement, temporary safety transfers, and certain hunting or range activities. The bill also requires licensed dealers to provide a notice and certification form in both English and Spanish to buyers. It explicitly states it won't create a national gun registry or override state laws on the same topic. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster .

Maddy summaryHR 660, "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals prohibited from owning firearms under federal/state law reside to store firearms securely. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a minor or prohibited person could access the firearm, with fines of $500 per violation and enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death occurs. The bill also establishes a federal grant program to help states implement similar secure storage laws and provides funding incentives for states that already have such laws in place.