Rep. Jim Costa

Maddy summaryHR 5483 establishes a Water Infrastructure and Drought Solutions Fund that will provide $750 million annually from 2032-2062 for water storage, reclamation, and reuse projects in Western states. The bill directs 50% of these funds to new water storage projects (with federal funding capped at 50% of project costs), 25% to water reclamation projects, and 25% to WaterSMART grants. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate groundwater storage opportunities in Western states, particularly in critically overdrafted basins, and creates a pilot program to provide financial assistance for water infrastructure projects in eligible states. The bill also increases funding for water recycling projects from $50 million to $500 million annually through 2027.

Maddy summaryHRES 682 is a symbolic resolution designating the week beginning September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) for their role in educating Hispanic students and underserved communities. The resolution calls for the public to observe the week with ceremonies during Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting HSIs' contributions to higher education access and economic mobility. This resolution affects no specific entities or policies, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryHR 3389, the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2023, requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior, along with key aviation committees, to evaluate the use of container aerial firefighting systems (CAFFS) for wildfire suppression within 60 days of enactment. The bill mandates that agencies update their deployment protocols for CAFFS based on this evaluation within 90 days, and submit reports to specific congressional committees detailing both the evaluation results and protocol changes. This bill directly affects federal wildfire management agencies and their operational procedures, focusing on assessing and refining the use of an existing aerial firefighting technology. It does not create new funding or alter wildfire policy, but establishes a timeline for evaluating and implementing CAFFS protocols.

Maddy summaryHR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates October 8, 2023, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day" to recognize advancements in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. It does not create new laws or policies but highlights the U.S. role in developing these energy solutions for transportation, power generation, and environmental benefits. The resolution cites hydrogen's historical use in space exploration and current applications in zero-emission vehicles and grid resilience. It is a non-binding gesture expressing support for the industry, with no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryHRES 492 is a congressional resolution condemning the Iranian government's systematic persecution of the Baha'i minority, which directly affects Baha'is in Iran facing arrests, property confiscation, and imprisonment. The resolution specifically calls for Iran to immediately release Baha'is detained for their faith, end state-sponsored hate propaganda against them, and reverse discriminatory policies denying equal access to education, employment, and religious freedom. It urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to demand Iran’s compliance with international human rights treaties and to use existing sanctions authorities (under the 2010 and 2012 Iran sanctions laws) against officials responsible for these abuses. The resolution does not impose new legal requirements but serves as a formal U.S. government statement of condemnation and a call for diplomatic and sanctions action.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new $0.20 per credit system (adjustable for inflation) for conventional biofuel waivers under the Clean Air Act, directly affecting refiners and fuel producers with renewable fuel obligations. Credits must be used immediately for that year's compliance and cannot be resold or applied toward other biofuel requirements. Revenue from credit sales is split equally: one-third funds advanced biofuel investments, one-third supports agricultural diversification programs, and one-third flows into the Habitat and Wildlife Restoration Fund. This fund targets conservation in areas impacted by corn/soy expansion since 2007, managed with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Maddy summaryHR 5295, the Expanding the VOTE Act, modifies Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act to expand language access for voters. It requires states and localities to provide voting materials (including ballots and instructions) in the language of covered language minority groups, with new provisions for American Indian and Alaska Native languages requiring tribal government consultation for unwritten languages. The bill creates $15 million in grants to help jurisdictions provide voting materials in languages that don’t currently trigger Section 203 coverage, while mandating continued provision for those groups in future elections. It also directs a study to evaluate lowering population thresholds for language protections and expanding the definition of covered languages.

Maddy summaryHR 4800, the GATES Act, modifies a provision in the Food Security Act of 1985 to create a new exception for agricultural income. It allows farmers, ranchers, and forestry businesses to receive certain payments or benefits without being subject to income limits if 75% or more of their average adjusted gross income comes from these activities. To qualify, these entities must provide documentation to the Secretary (typically the USDA) proving their income source. This change directly affects agricultural producers receiving federal payments by expanding eligibility for those primarily engaged in farming, ranching, or forestry.

Maddy summaryHR 4745, the Delivering for Rural Seniors Act of 2023, creates a pilot program to expand home delivery of food packages under the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for low-income seniors in rural areas. The bill authorizes $10 million annually (2024-2026) for competitive grants to state agencies, which must prioritize rural service providers to cover costs like transportation, staffing, and outreach for home delivery. It requires grantees to report on delivery metrics, costs, and effectiveness annually. The program directly affects rural CSFP participants facing transportation barriers to accessing food assistance.