Rep. Anna G. Eshoo

Maddy summaryHR 9299, the IRAN Act, requires the U.S. Secretary of State to lead federal efforts promoting internet freedom and access to information in Iran. It amends a 2012 law to mandate specific strategy updates, including evaluating how activists use virtual private networks (VPNs) and satellite tech, developing guidance to prevent sanctions from blocking internet tools for Iranians, and planning to bypass government internet blackouts. The bill directs the State Department to coordinate with Treasury, Commerce, USAID, and intelligence agencies to implement these updates. This affects U.S. government agencies' coordination and aims to improve internet access for Iranian civil society activists.

Maddy summaryThe NO BAN Act (HR 9244) prohibits U.S. immigration authorities from denying visas or entry based on national origin, religion, or sex. It amends immigration law to explicitly ban such discrimination in visa decisions and tightens restrictions on the president’s power to suspend entry of certain groups under Section 212(f). The bill requires specific evidence, narrow tailoring, time limits, and congressional notification for any entry restriction, while mandating public reports on visa denials and waivers. It directly affects nonimmigrant visa applicants (e.g., students, workers) and federal agencies administering immigration policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the boundary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to include specific lands shown on a July 2024 map titled "Golden Gate National Recreation Area Proposed Boundary Addition" (map #641/193973). It directly affects the management of the recreation area by adding these newly designated lands to its existing boundaries. The key mechanism is a technical amendment to existing law, incorporating the map's depiction of the proposed addition without altering park management policies or creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 193 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It also prohibits the President from granting a pardon to themselves. The amendment would apply to all federal officers (such as the President, Vice President, and members of Congress) except for Congress members acting in their legislative role as defined in the Constitution. If ratified by 38 states, this change would become part of the U.S. Constitution, requiring no further congressional action.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Act establishes a national strategy to protect fish, wildlife, and plants from climate change impacts by requiring federal agencies to integrate climate adaptation into their conservation plans. It creates a Working Group to develop and update a National Strategy, establishes a Climate Adaptation Science Center Network for scientific support, and mandates that states develop their own adaptation plans to receive federal funding. The bill directly affects federal agencies, state governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, emphasizing collaboration and incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge. Key mechanisms include regular review of the National Strategy, requirements for state adaptation plans addressing climate impacts on ecosystems, and coordination across different government levels. This legislation focuses on concrete policy changes to enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change effects like extreme weather, habitat loss, and species migration.

Maddy summaryThe Rohingya GAP Act establishes a U.S. Special Coordinator for Rohingya Atrocities Prevention and Response to coordinate U.S. government efforts on Rohingya issues. It authorizes $10 million annually for atrocity investigations and $8 million for a Burma-focused conflict observatory to document human rights violations. The bill directs U.S. agencies to support Rohingya refugees' protection, education, and livelihoods in Bangladesh while promoting durable solutions including safe return to Myanmar with full citizenship rights when conditions allow. It requires annual reporting on U.S. efforts to address atrocity risks, protect Rohingya, and advance accountability for crimes against them. The legislation aims to address root causes of violence against Rohingya through empowerment, inclusion in decision-making, and support for transitional justice mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through fiscal year 2026. It extends the commission's funding authorization from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 and delays the expiration date of its statutory authorization from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2026. The bill directly affects USCIRF by ensuring its continued operation and funding without altering its existing mandate or reporting requirements. It is a procedural extension, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 8891 amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a formal San Francisco Bay Restoration Program. It allows federal funding through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts for projects on an annual priority list, requiring at least 25% non-federal funding for grants (capping federal share at 75%) while permitting full federal coverage for other agreements. The bill directly affects federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations, including the Estuary Partnership, working on Bay restoration projects. Key provisions define funding mechanisms and cost-sharing requirements to support specific restoration activities and studies.

Maddy summaryHRES 1327 is a symbolic congressional resolution condemning Azerbaijan for actions it claims constitute ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. It specifically calls for the U.S. government to impose targeted sanctions on Azerbaijani officials, halt military aid to Azerbaijan under Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, provide humanitarian aid to Armenian refugees, and strengthen U.S.-Armenia security cooperation. The resolution affirms displaced Armenians' right to return to Nagorno-Karabakh with security protections. It directly affects Azerbaijan's government officials, Armenian refugees in Armenia, and U.S. foreign policy implementation. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but urges specific policy actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the sunset period for certain Burma sanctions from 8 to 10 years and modifies reporting requirements. It mandates annual assessments (for 7 years) by the President to determine if specific Burmese state-owned enterprises, the Myanma Economic Bank, and jet fuel sector entities meet sanctions criteria, requiring reports to Congress. The bill also limits U.S. support for increasing Burma's International Monetary Fund shareholding if the military-led State Administration Council governs, with limited waiver authority. Additionally, it creates a U.S. Special Coordinator at the State Department to coordinate diplomatic efforts promoting human rights and democratic restoration in Burma, including multilateral sanctions and engagement with Burmese civil society. The bill directly affects U.S. sanctions enforcement, Burma's military leadership, and entities operating in Burma's economy.