Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

Maddy summaryHR 2620, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023, increases penalties for crimes targeting firearms licensees. It amends Section 924 of Title 18 to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 3 years for burglaries or 5 years for robberies committed at the business premises of licensed firearms dealers, manufacturers, or importers. The bill specifically targets violations of Section 922(u), which prohibits unauthorized access to these premises, and adds "attempts to do so" to the penalties. This directly affects licensed firearms businesses by strengthening legal protections against theft or violence at their locations. The law creates clearer, harsher consequences for crimes committed during burglaries or robberies at these specific business sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 2-year pilot program to establish or improve state-based nursing workforce centers. It provides $1.5 million annually (2024-2025) for up to six state or regional centers, requiring non-Federal matching funds (1:4 ratio). These centers will analyze nursing workforce data - including education, retention, and shortages - and develop strategies to recruit, retain, and diversify nurses, especially in rural and underserved areas. The program mandates annual reports to Congress on outcomes and best practices for addressing nursing shortages. It directly affects states, nursing schools, healthcare employers, and nursing workforce centers through federal grants and data-driven planning.

Maddy summaryHR 2482 requires the Secretary of Defense to study how accessible mental health care is for active-duty military members, specifically examining provider availability on bases, inpatient services, and potential improvements. This study directly affects active-duty service members by assessing their current access to mental health support. The bill mandates a report to Congress within 180 days of enactment, detailing the findings and recommendations. It does not change existing policy but gathers data to inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryHR 1581, the America Works Act of 2023, modifies work requirement exemptions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It expands direct exemptions to include individuals medically certified as unfit for work, parents or caregivers of children under 7, and pregnant women, while removing a specific enforcement clause (Section 6(o)(4)(A)(ii)). The bill adjusts existing exemption rules to clarify that certain exemptions apply retroactively to cases beginning before the bill's enactment date. These changes directly affect SNAP recipients who would otherwise face work requirements under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2451 (Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023), prevents colleges receiving federal funds from punishing students or single-sex social organizations (like fraternities/sororities) solely because of their single-sex membership policies. It prohibits actions such as denying housing, scholarships, or leadership roles, or forcing students to waive these protections as a condition of enrollment. The law does not require colleges to recognize such groups, nor does it block disciplinary action for misconduct unrelated to membership (e.g., academic issues). It directly affects students in single-sex organizations and institutions participating in federal student aid programs under Title IV.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to expand or modify an existing national cemetery (under National Cemetery Administration control) before Arlington National Cemetery reaches capacity, ensuring it provides full military honors using the same standards and eligibility criteria that applied to Arlington as of March 31, 2023. It directly affects veterans and their families seeking burial with full military honors at national cemeteries nationwide. The bill also mandates a joint report within one year to Congress on expanding cemetery capacity and assessing whether interment criteria should recognize exceptional service, including impacts on women, non-combat veterans, and other groups. The key mechanism is preserving current military honors standards at alternative cemeteries to prevent Arlington's capacity limits from disrupting existing burial practices.

Maddy summaryHR 1818, the Aviation Workforce Development Act, expands tax-advantaged savings plans (529 plans) to cover costs for specific aviation training programs. It allows funds from these plans to pay for tuition, fees, and required materials at FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician schools (Part 147) or commercial pilot training programs (Part 61 or 141). This directly affects students pursuing careers as aircraft maintenance technicians or commercial pilots by making these training costs more affordable through existing tax-advantaged savings. The bill amends the tax code to include these programs under "qualified higher education expenses" for 529 plan distributions.

Maddy summaryHR 1831 would award Billie Jean King a Congressional Gold Medal to honor her lifelong advocacy for equal rights in sports and society. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal and have it presented by congressional leaders, recognizing her pivotal role in advancing women's equality through tennis (including founding the Women’s Tennis Association and securing equal prize money) and her broader impact on society through initiatives like Title IX advocacy.

Maddy summaryHR 1777 establishes a $50 million annual fund (2024-2028) for collaborative defense research between the U.S. and Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, directed energy, and automation. The bill directly supports U.S. and Israeli military forces by enabling joint development of new warfare capabilities to address current and future defense challenges. Key provisions include authorizing $50 million per year for collaborative projects, building on existing U.S.-Israel defense partnerships like counter-tunnel and counter-drone systems. This funding aims to strengthen bilateral defense innovation without altering existing military aid structures.

Maddy summaryThe Economic Impact of Tolling Act (HR 1759) requires the Secretary of Transportation to complete and publicly release an economic impact analysis before implementing or authorizing any congestion pricing program on toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. This directly affects federal transportation decisions and ensures transparency by mandating that the public has access to the analysis prior to program rollout. The bill does not alter existing toll systems but sets a clear pre-implementation requirement for new congestion pricing initiatives. Its key mechanism is the mandatory completion and public disclosure of the economic study as a prerequisite for any such program.