Rep. Greg Casar

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts federal employee pay rates for 2024. It increases basic pay for all federal workers under statutory pay systems and prevailing rate systems by 4.7%, and raises locality pay adjustments by 4.0%. These changes directly affect all federal employees covered by the specified pay systems, including those in wage areas and under sections 5348/5349 of Title 5. The bill implements these raises without altering existing pay system structures or requirements.

This resolution condemns the Supreme Court's holding in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (that there is no constitutional right to abortion) and expresses a commitment to instituting judicial reform and supporting access to abortion and the communities affected by the Court's ruling. It also urges the executive branch to advance reproductive justice.

Maddy summaryHR 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, defines "bump stock" as any device or modification that increases the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon to mimic a machine gun. The bill amends federal tax and firearms laws to classify bump stocks as prohibited devices under the National Firearms Act, requiring existing owners to register them within one year of enactment. It directly affects individuals who currently own bump stocks by mandating registration to avoid future possession prohibitions. The law takes effect immediately for new sales but provides a one-year grace period for existing owners to comply with registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 345, the TRUST in Congress Act, requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place certain investments into a "blind trust" within 90 days of taking office or after the bill's enactment. It directly affects current and future lawmakers and their immediate family members by mandating that covered investments - such as stocks, commodities, or derivatives (excluding Treasury bonds and some mutual funds) - be placed in a trust they cannot manage. Members must certify the trust setup to House or Senate officials within 15 days, and trusts cannot be dissolved until 180 days after leaving office. The law excludes investments providing primary income (e.g., from a spouse's job) but requires transparency through public website disclosures of certifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to deny corporations a tax deduction for certain executive bonuses exceeding $1 million. It directly affects large publicly traded companies that pay top executives (including those in the top 3 highest-paid officers) compensation reported under SEC rules. The key mechanism expands the definition of "covered individual" to include more executives and requires corporations to report compensation details to prevent tax avoidance through indirect payment methods. The change applies to taxable years starting after December 31, 2022, making such bonuses non-deductible for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges to notify students receiving federal work-study aid about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It mandates that institutions send electronic notifications (via email or other digital means) to these students, explaining SNAP eligibility requirements, state-specific application processes, and including a document confirming their work-study status to satisfy SNAP eligibility rules. The bill directly affects undergraduate and graduate students participating in federal work-study programs who may qualify for food assistance but lack awareness of SNAP. The key mechanism is the standardized notification developed by the Education and Agriculture Departments, designed to streamline access to nutrition benefits for students facing food insecurity.

This resolution condemns all acts of political violence, as well as attacks on health care facilities, health care personnel, and patients. The resolution also states that all people have the freedom to access reproductive health care services and medical advice without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Finally, the resolution calls on the Biden Administration to use all appropriate authorities to uphold public safety, protect health care facilities, and safeguard health care personnel and patients.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to (1) regulate and impose reasonable viewpoint-neutral limitations on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections; and (2) regulate and enact public campaign financing systems, including those designed to restrict the influence of private wealth by offsetting the raising and spending of money by candidates and others with increased public funding. The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.

Maddy summaryHR 52, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, promotes safe firearm storage through several concrete measures. It requires firearm manufacturers to include a "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" notice with each new handgun, rifle, or shotgun sold, directing buyers to the Attorney General’s public website with safe storage guidance. The bill also creates a federal grant program ($10 million annually) for states and tribes to develop public programs distributing safe storage devices (like locked containers or trigger locks), and establishes a tax credit for individuals purchasing such devices. These provisions directly affect firearm manufacturers, state/local governments, and the public seeking to secure firearms responsibly.

Maddy summaryHR 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would admit Washington, D.C. as the 51st state, named "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth," granting its residents full representation in Congress with two Senators and one Representative. The bill establishes procedures for admission, including elections for state officials, with the state initially having one Representative until the next congressional apportionment. It would create a "Capital" area (including the White House, Capitol, and other key federal buildings) that remains under federal jurisdiction as the seat of the U.S. government, while the rest of the District becomes the new state. The bill also includes provisions to ensure continuity of federal services, property management, and legal procedures during the transition to statehood.