Rep. Debbie Lesko

Maddy summaryThe SAFE for America Act of 2023 eliminates the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, commonly known as the "visa lottery," which provided annual visas to individuals from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates. This change directly affects applicants and participants in the diversity visa program, ending their eligibility for this specific immigration pathway. The bill amends key sections of immigration law (Sections 201, 203, and 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act) to remove references to the diversity program and adjust visa allocation procedures. The changes take effect October 1, 2023, permanently ending this visa category.

Second Chance at Life Act of 2023 This bill requires abortion providers to disclose information about the possibility of reversing a medication abortion. This is a procedure that uses a medication regimen to terminate a pregnancy, typically with a two-drug protocol. Providers must inform patients that it may be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion after taking the first drug. They must also let patients know that more information and assistance is available on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. At least 24 hours before the procedure, the provider must share this information with the patient in person or by telephone. The provider must also include the information in written discharge instructions after the first drug is dispensed. The bill sets out an exception to these notification requirements when an abortion is necessary to resolve a physical injury or condition that threatens the life of the woman. The provider must document the circumstances giving rise to the exception in the patient's medical file. Furthermore, providers must post signs with this information in their offices or facilities, and HHS must maintain information about reversing medication abortions on its website.

Maddy summaryHR 917, the "Protecting Military Installations from Foreign Espionage Act," requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review certain foreign-owned real estate transactions near military sites. It specifically mandates CFIUS to review any purchase or lease of property within 100 miles of a military installation or 50 miles of designated military airspace, training routes, or firing areas - *if* the foreign buyer is linked to Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea. The bill eliminates CFIUS’s discretion for these transactions, forcing automatic review. It also ties approval of energy projects near such sites to CFIUS’s conclusion on these real estate deals, requiring the Defense Secretary to delay or block projects if national security risks are identified. This directly affects foreign entities from targeted nations and streamlines security reviews for military-adjacent properties.

Maddy summaryHR 997, the English Language Unity Act of 2023, would establish English as the official language of the United States government. It requires all federal government functions, including laws, regulations, and public communications, to be conducted in English, with exceptions for national security, disability education, census activities, and public health. The bill also sets uniform English language standards for naturalization, requiring applicants to read and understand the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and U.S. laws, with naturalization ceremonies conducted solely in English. This legislation directly affects federal agencies, government communications, and individuals seeking U.S. citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health care coverage under TRICARE for military dependents. It eliminates a separate premium for young adults aged 21-26 enrolled in the TRICARE Young Adult Program, meaning they will no longer pay an extra fee for coverage. The bill also removes an eligibility restriction that previously limited coverage for some dependents in this age group. These changes directly affect military service members' adult children and spouses who rely on TRICARE Young Adult coverage. The policy update simplifies enrollment and reduces out-of-pocket costs for these beneficiaries.

Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from requiring a financial institution to report the transfers into and out of a financial account. This prohibition does not apply to laws or regulations in effect on January 1, 2023.

Stop China's IP Theft Act This bill directs the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to deny entry into the United States to senior Chinese Communist Party officials, the spouses and children of such officials, members of the cabinet of the Chinese government, and active duty members of China's armed forces. This prohibition shall not apply in any year in which the Office of the Director of National Intelligence certifies to Congress that China's government has stopped sponsoring, funding, facilitating, and actively working to support efforts to infringe the intellectual property rights of U.S. citizens and companies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.

This resolution affirms the House of Representatives' obligation to fulfill the promises made to senior citizens of the United States regarding access to Medicare and Social Security. It also rejects any changes to Medicare or Social Security that diminish benefits for Americans currently enrolled, or soon to be enrolled, in the Medicare program or the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. The resolution also expresses the House's commitment that these programs should be strengthened and preserved, and expresses support for efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs.

Maddy summaryThe Pregnant Women in Custody Act establishes new standards for care of pregnant women in correctional facilities across federal, state, tribal, and local systems. It prohibits using restrictive housing for pregnant women from confirmed pregnancy through 12 weeks after delivery (with limited exceptions), requires facilities to provide comprehensive healthcare services including prenatal and postpartum care, and mandates data collection about the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women. The bill also requires staff training on proper treatment, establishes protocols for unexpected childbirth, and mandates transfer of women with high-risk pregnancies to facilities with appropriate medical care. These provisions aim to improve health outcomes for both mothers and infants by addressing gaps in care for incarcerated pregnant women.