Rep. John S. Duarte

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.

Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, or recall elections.

Maddy summaryThe Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 modifies rules for veterans' educational benefits to streamline approval of commercial driver education programs at branch locations. It allows a branch of an educational institution to be exempt from full approval requirements if it is appropriately licensed and uses the same curriculum as an approved main location. Schools must submit an annual report to the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying curriculum consistency, and the VA may withhold this exemption if needed. The changes will take effect 180 days after the VA establishes reporting rules, which must be finalized within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Border Security and Migrant Safety Act of 2023 establishes a dedicated intelligence cell within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to track migrant surges and share data on smuggling networks threatening border security. It creates a Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Force focused on dismantling criminal groups exploiting migrants - especially children and families - and requires quarterly reports to Congress on its progress. The bill also expands cross-border partnerships with Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through joint training and investigations targeting human trafficking. These provisions aim to improve intelligence sharing, disrupt smuggling operations, and enhance coordination with partner nations, without altering border enforcement infrastructure or immigration processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a comprehensive plan within 180 days for deploying emerging technologies like AI, radar, sensors, and automation to improve border security along the U.S. northern and southern borders. The plan must assess current technology use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), address security gaps, estimate costs, and outline metrics for success. It specifically directs CBP to integrate these technologies into border operations while phasing out outdated systems and coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate. The bill directly affects CBP’s border security operations and does not authorize new spending or change existing laws.

Maddy summaryHRES 861 is a non-binding resolution calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all detained Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and civilians. It demands Azerbaijan provide information on missing persons, allow independent monitoring of detainees' conditions, and comply with international law. The resolution also urges the U.S. President to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for abuses and suspend military aid under existing law. This resolution directly addresses Azerbaijan’s government, targeting its actions regarding Armenians detained since the 2020 conflict and the 2023 Artsakh offensive.

Maddy summaryHR 6281, the Stop COYOTES Act, increases penalties for certain crimes involving minors committed near schools, youth facilities, or parks. It adds up to 10 years of consecutive imprisonment for offenders who commit specified federal crimes (like trafficking or assault) within 1,000 feet of schools or 100 feet of youth centers, in addition to their original sentence. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to share border-related data - including human trafficking, smuggling, and gang activity - with state and local law enforcement near the U.S. border, and to submit biannual reports to Congress on this information. These provisions directly affect individuals convicted of crimes near child-occupied areas and border enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to establish a new post office at 73 West Stewart Road in Lathrop, California, within one year of the bill becoming law. It requires the Postal Service to negotiate in good faith with property owners to acquire or lease the specified location. The bill also allows the Postal Service to bypass standard borrowing limits to fund the new post office's construction or lease costs. This legislation directly affects Lathrop residents by creating a new local mail service location.

This resolution condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel and expresses sympathy and solidarity with the families of those held hostage or killed in those attacks.  The resolution also adjourns the House of Representatives in honor of those killed and unaccounted for.