Rep. Jim Costa

Maddy summaryHR 1803, the CURD Act, defines "natural cheese" in federal law to clarify labeling standards for consumers. It specifies that natural cheese must be made by curdling milk (or milk derivatives) through traditional methods without certain processed additives, while explicitly excluding pasteurized process cheeses, cheese spreads, and similar products. The bill requires that products labeled as "natural cheese" meet this new definition, updating FDA labeling rules under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This directly affects cheese manufacturers (who must comply with the definition) and consumers (who gain clearer product distinctions on labels). The change replaces vague industry terms with a consistent, science-based standard to improve transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 8141, the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act of 2024, requires the President to review whether 44 specific Azerbaijani officials meet criteria for U.S. sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act and related laws. The bill targets military commanders, judges, prosecutors, and security officials linked to alleged human rights violations, including torture of prisoners of war and suppression of political dissent. Within 180 days of enactment, the President must submit a detailed determination to Congress on whether sanctions should be imposed on these individuals. The review is based on findings of Azerbaijan’s alleged war crimes, arbitrary detentions, and failures to uphold international legal obligations. This bill focuses on procedural review, not immediate sanctions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of high-risk pathogens (like those that cause severe disease) to maintain detailed electronic logbooks tracking each sale. Sellers must record the agent name, quantity, purchaser details (with verified ID), intended use, and sale date, keeping records for five years. It also mandates regular federal reviews of high-containment laboratories to assess safety, oversight gaps, and national biosecurity needs, with reports to Congress. The law directly affects research labs, biotech companies, and other entities selling such pathogens, aiming to enhance public health protection through better documentation and facility oversight.

Maddy summaryHRES 1168 is a symbolic resolution designating the week of April 21-27, 2024, as "National Crime Victims Rights Week." It supports existing efforts to recognize crime victims and survivors, emphasizing their right to dignity, support, and inclusion in justice systems. The resolution highlights the 2024 theme - "How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors" - to encourage victim advocacy and policy engagement. It does not create new programs but reaffirms commitment to funding existing victim assistance through laws like the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Maddy summaryThe DROUGHT Act of 2024 increases federal funding for water infrastructure projects in areas facing severe drought or serving disadvantaged communities. It allows the Environmental Protection Agency to cover up to 90% of project costs (instead of standard limits) for projects in states or counties with severe drought (as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor for 4+ weeks in the past 3 years or a governor's emergency declaration) or in communities designated as disadvantaged by EPA's screening tool or meeting state affordability criteria. The bill prioritizes projects that address both drought conditions and serve disadvantaged populations. This directly affects water infrastructure projects in eligible drought-impacted regions and communities with historical water access challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal program to help low-income households pay water and wastewater bills. It targets households receiving certain federal benefits (like SNAP, SSI, or LIHEAP) or with income below 150% of the poverty level, defined by state-specific thresholds. The program provides grants to states and tribes based on poverty rates or high housing cost burdens, with $1.1 billion authorized, to cover arrearages and service rates for eligible households. Funds cannot replace existing assistance but may supplement other programs, and the program will transfer to the EPA after a specified date.

Maddy summaryHR 8061, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024, ensures stable funding for the Crime Victims Fund by directing certain False Claims Act collections into it from 2024 through 2029. Specifically, it adds a provision requiring that amounts collected under the False Claims Act (excluding whistleblower rewards and government reimbursement for damages) be deposited into the fund during this period. This directly affects crime victims who rely on the fund for services like counseling and emergency aid, as it prevents potential shortfalls in funding. The bill makes a concrete policy change by redirecting specific federal civil penalties into the fund, rather than altering the fund's existing purposes or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or moving operations at any processing and distribution center in a region that missed specific delivery targets in the previous year. It directly affects USPS operations in regions failing to meet two key 2023 performance goals: at least 93% on-time delivery for two-day first-class mail and 90.3% for three-to-five-day first-class mail. The restriction applies annually during any calendar year based on the prior year's performance data. The law aims to protect postal facilities in underperforming areas from closure due to delivery metrics.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 288) urges the European Union to formally designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under EU legal framework Common Position 931. It does not create new laws but requests the EU take this specific action, noting the EU has previously sanctioned IRGC individuals but not the organization as a whole. The resolution cites the IRGC's role in human rights abuses, support for proxy groups, and involvement in conflicts like Ukraine as context for the request. Introduced in April 2023 by 20+ House members, it is a non-binding expression of congressional preference.

Maddy summaryHRES 1145 is a non-binding resolution recognizing April as "Community College Month" to celebrate over 1,000 U.S. community colleges. It highlights these institutions' role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and economic support - serving 10 million students annually and contributing significantly to national prosperity. The resolution cites their impact, including generating $898 billion in added income and returning $6.80 in tax revenue per public dollar invested. This symbolic gesture aims to acknowledge community colleges' nationwide contributions without creating new policies or funding.