Rep. Jim Costa

Maddy summaryHR 709, the Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award Muhammad Ali a gold medal in recognition of his life and achievements. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal for presentation by congressional leaders, which will then be given to Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change affecting laws or programs.

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 summaryThe SHIP IT Act (HR 471) aims to improve commercial trucking safety and efficiency through several key provisions. It allows states to temporarily permit overweight trucks during emergencies, provides tax credits for truck drivers (up to $10,000), and allocates $175-$200 million annually for grants to build commercial truck parking facilities. The bill also simplifies driver licensing processes, removes seasonal restrictions on agricultural transportation, and creates a pilot program for 6-axle vehicles with safety data collection requirements. These changes directly affect truck drivers, trucking companies, and state transportation agencies, with the goal of enhancing highway safety, reducing congestion, and supporting the trucking workforce.

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 683 (PASS Act of 2023) expands the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review process to cover foreign investments in U.S. agriculture businesses, agricultural biotechnology, and private farmland. It mandates that the President block transactions involving foreign entities from China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea that would give them control over U.S. agricultural operations or land used for farming. The bill allows limited presidential waivers for national security reasons but requires a 30-day review period before any waiver. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit biannual reports to Congress on risks posed by foreign ownership in U.S. agriculture.

Maddy summaryHR 648, the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023, increases federal funding for key USDA export promotion programs to boost U.S. agricultural sales abroad. It raises annual funding for the Market Access Program from $200 million to $400 million and for the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program from $34.5 million to $69 million, effective 2024-2029. These changes directly benefit U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses exporting commodities like soybeans, beef, and dairy by expanding their access to international markets. The bill aims to counter competitive disadvantages as foreign competitors grow their export programs faster than U.S. funding has kept pace. This represents a significant funding adjustment to address years of stagnant investment in these programs.

Maddy summaryHR 582, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, changes the required meeting frequency for boards of directors at federal credit unions. It replaces a simple "monthly" requirement with tiered schedules based on each credit union's performance rating under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System. Top-rated credit unions (ratings 1 or 2) must meet at least six times yearly, with one meeting per fiscal quarter. Lower-rated credit unions (ratings 3, 4, or 5) must meet monthly, and new credit unions must meet monthly for their first five years. This directly affects all federal credit unions by adjusting their board meeting obligations based on their regulatory rating.

Maddy summaryHRES 68 is a symbolic resolution supporting National Catholic Schools Week, which recognizes Catholic schools' educational and community contributions. It does not create new policies or funding but formally endorses the week's goals - highlighting Catholic schools' academic achievements, diverse student enrollment, and role in fostering moral development. The resolution was introduced by multiple House members and passed without opposition, focusing on acknowledgment rather than legislative action. It directly affects Catholic schools by affirming their nationwide impact, though it has no binding effect on federal programs or resources.

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.