Rep. Eric Swalwell

Restoring Equal and Accountable Legislators in the House Act or the REAL House Act This bill increases the number of voting Members serving in the House of Representatives, which has been capped at 435 since 1929. Following the 2030 census, the bill increases the number of voting Members to 585. For subsequent censuses, the bill sets out a method for determining the number of Members. The bill also requires the Architect of the Capitol to study and make recommendations to Congress about the facility needs of and other logistical issues related to an increased number of Members.

Wildfire Recovery Act This bill makes changes with respect to the federal cost share for Fire Management Assistance Grants and provides that the federal share shall be not less than 75% of the eligible cost. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct and complete a rulemaking to provide criteria for the circumstances under which FEMA may recommend that the President increase the federal cost share. Such criteria shall include a threshold metric that assesses the financial impact to a state or local government from responding to a fire for which fire management assistance is being provided.

Maddy summaryHR 660, "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals prohibited from owning firearms under federal/state law reside to store firearms securely. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a minor or prohibited person could access the firearm, with fines of $500 per violation and enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death occurs. The bill also establishes a federal grant program to help states implement similar secure storage laws and provides funding incentives for states that already have such laws in place.

Maddy summaryHR 666, the Access to Counsel Act, requires U.S. immigration officers to provide certain travelers a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel within one hour of starting secondary inspection at ports of entry. It directly affects travelers including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents returning from abroad, visa holders, refugees, and parolees seeking entry. Key provisions mandate phone access to counsel, allow advocates to present evidence to officers, and require in-person meetings when possible. Lawful permanent residents cannot abandon their status without first consulting a lawyer unless they waive this right in writing. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of most large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 15 rounds) for the general public, while exempting law enforcement officers (including campus security officers), retired officers, and certain licensed entities like nuclear facility security. It requires new magazines manufactured after enactment to have serial numbers and manufacturing dates, and allows federal grant funds to support buy-back programs for these devices. Existing owners of such magazines lawfully possessed before the law's enactment are exempt from the prohibition. The law applies to devices not already covered under current exemptions for law enforcement, nuclear security, and retired officers.

Booster Seat Safety Act This bill addresses labeling requirements and testing standards for booster seats used in motor vehicles. Specifically, the bill requires labels on booster seats to include the minimum recommended age (4 years) and weight (40 pounds) for a child to use the seat. It also requires that a label on a car seat or combination car seat list the maximum weight and height limits of the seat, as well as a recommendation to continue using the seat until the child exceeds the listed limits. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must either establish a minimum height recommendation for booster seats or a method for manufacturers to use to determine a minimum height recommendation. Once the minimum height or method is established, booster seat labels must also contain the minimum height recommendation. The NHTSA must also establish a standard for side-impact crash tests for booster seats and provide guidelines for creating a testing dummy that approximates a six-year old child for such crash tests. Further, the NHTSA must study systems for tethering child restraint systems in vehicles and make recommendations about using or modifying tether systems to maximize child safety.

Maddy summaryThe HEAL Act (HR 603) requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how public elementary and secondary schools teach about the Holocaust and related antisemitism. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teaching methods (like project-based learning), instructional materials, and assessment approaches across states and school districts. It specifically analyzes whether Holocaust education is mandatory, optional, or integrated across subjects, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention. The resulting report, due within 180 days of the study or three years after enactment, will inform Congress but does not change current school policies. This is a data-gathering measure, not a policy mandate.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 7 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that commends Iranian protesters - particularly women - who have risked safety to demonstrate against the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, including the mandatory hijab law and violent crackdowns following Mahsa Amini's death. It condemns the regime's use of violence (reportedly killing over 450 protesters) and detention of activists, while urging the Biden Administration to impose additional human rights sanctions on officials involved in repression and support internet freedom tools to bypass Iranian censorship. The resolution makes no binding policy changes but formally expresses congressional support for protesters' demands for freedom, justice, and an end to discriminatory laws targeting women. It does not directly affect any U.S. laws or policies but serves as a statement of U.S. position.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 506, the HARM Act, requires the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization under immigration law within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This designation would directly affect the Wagner Group and its affiliated entities, subjecting them to sanctions under U.S. law. The bill mandates that the designation apply to any successor or affiliated groups engaged in activities against U.S. interests, including operations in Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East. It also requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report on the Wagner Group's international activities to specific congressional committees. The bill focuses on the legal process for designation, not on outcomes or advocacy.