Maddy summaryThe Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023 (HR 6523) requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to publish specific immigration data online. It mandates monthly reports on parole grants at ports of entry (including numbers by nationality and family status), quarterly reports on processing outcomes for aliens encountered at the southern border (disaggregated by nationality, demographics, and processing paths), and annual reports on parolees (including employment status and status changes). These reports must be posted on agency websites and submitted to relevant congressional committees. The bill directly affects federal agencies responsible for border processing and aims to increase public and congressional transparency about immigration enforcement practices at the southern border.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Hamas to immediately release all 199 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution condemns Hamas for the attack, the taking of hostages, and threats against hostages, while stating that holding hostages violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. It demands the immediate release of all hostages and expresses sympathy for victims and their families. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create legal obligations but formally expresses the House's position.
Maddy summaryHRES 683 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's support for diplomatic efforts to encourage Mexico to fulfill annual water delivery commitments under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico treaty. The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (over a 5-year cycle) to the U.S., but Mexico has historically delayed deliveries until the cycle ends. The resolution specifically acknowledges water shortages faced by South Texas farmers and urges Mexico to meet its annual obligations, while supporting negotiations for more reliable water agreements. It does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages diplomatic action to address the delivery delays.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.
Maddy summaryHR 6383 prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using federal funds to implement or enforce a "remain in Texas policy." This policy would require migrants released by DHS or HHS to stay in Texas after entering the U.S. The bill's key mechanism is a funding ban, blocking DHS from enforcing such requirements without congressional approval. It directly affects migrants subject to release by DHS/HHS and DHS operations. The policy change is purely procedural, restricting how federal funds can be used for migration management in Texas.
Maddy summaryHRES 850 is a purely ceremonial resolution designating the House Press Gallery as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery." It honors Frederick Douglass, the first Black journalist permitted in Capitol press galleries (1871-1875), recognizing his role as a pioneering journalist, abolitionist, and advocate for civil rights during Reconstruction. The resolution commemorates his historical connection to the space where he reported on legislation affecting the African-American community. As a naming resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond this commemorative gesture.
Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.
Maddy summaryHR 6201, the Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2023, creates the Iran Sanctions Enforcement Fund to cover costs related to seizing and forfeiting property from Iran or its designated proxies (like Hezbollah or the Revolutionary Guard Corps) that violate U.S. sanctions. The fund, initially $150 million, pays for investigative costs, property management, informant rewards, and equipment for federal, state, and local agencies involved in enforcement. It also establishes an Export Enforcement Coordination Center within Homeland Security to improve interagency cooperation on enforcing export controls targeting Iran. The bill requires annual reports on fund usage and mandates repayment of the initial $150 million by 2034, unless waived for national security reasons.
Maddy summaryHR 2601, the National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act, requires organizations applying for federal grants under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act to certify they will share hotline information with state or local law enforcement upon request, while following disclosure laws. This directly affects grant applicants, such as anti-trafficking organizations operating the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The key mechanism adds a new certification requirement to grant eligibility, ensuring potential data sharing with law enforcement when appropriate. The bill also mandates a joint report from the Attorney General and DHS Secretary to Congress on how this requirement is implemented. The bill does not change the hotline's operations or victim services.
Maddy summaryThe Rape Kit Backlog Progress Act of 2023 requires states and local governments receiving federal crime-fighting grants to conduct comprehensive inventories of all sexual assault kits (both tested and untested) and report key details to the Attorney General. It mandates that jurisdictions document victim consent for testing, upload DNA results to the national CODIS database, establish electronic tracking systems for victims, and implement victim notification protocols. States must submit these reports annually to maintain eligibility for federal grants, with the Attorney General publishing a public annual report on backlog status and compliance. This law directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors handling sexual assault cases, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in processing evidence.