Rep. Ted Lieu

Maddy summaryThe Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2023 establishes a new trust fund funded by increasing the corporate tax rate from 21% to 24.5% to support water infrastructure and affordability programs. It allocates funds to clean water programs (42%), safe drinking water funding (42.5%), household water wells (1%), colonias assistance (0.5%), Indian health services (3%), and water operator job training (0.5%). The bill requires the EPA to conduct a study and submit a report on water affordability, discrimination in water services, public participation in regionalization, and data collection related to service disconnections. It includes specific provisions for colonias, household water wells, and job training programs for water system operators to improve water access and equity.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive framework to address environmental justice by requiring federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately adverse environmental and health effects on communities of color, low-income communities, and Tribal and Indigenous communities. It creates a White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council to coordinate federal efforts, mandates that agencies develop environmental justice strategies, and requires consideration of cumulative impacts in permitting decisions for pollution sources. The bill also establishes grant programs for environmental justice communities, creates training requirements for federal employees, and includes specific provisions for safer cosmetics and economic revitalization in fossil fuel-dependent communities. These provisions aim to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making processes, directly affecting federal agencies and communities disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards.

This resolution recognizes the independence of the Republic of Artaskh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh (the region is internationally recognized to be part of Azerbaijan). The resolution also urges the United States to support international recognition of an independent Artaskh and to cease foreign and military assistance to Azerbaijan, condemns Azerbaijan's blockade and aggression, and supports Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This resolution recognizes the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and South Korea. Affirming the importance of the U.S.-South Korean alliance as the linchpin to safeguarding peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean peninsula, the resolution welcomes President Yoon Suk Yeol to the United States. It also supports ongoing defense and security ties, calls for continued promotion of human rights, and encourages close cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

Maddy summaryThe Armenian Genocide Education Act (HR 2803) establishes a Library of Congress program to support U.S. schools in teaching about the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. The program will develop educational resources, provide teacher training, and maintain an online resource center to help schools incorporate accurate historical information into curricula. It prioritizes schools without existing Armenian Genocide education programs, with $2 million authorized annually for five years. The Librarian of Congress will report yearly on the program’s activities to Congress.

This resolution urges (1) the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Day; and (2) governments and people to continue building upon the Paris Agreement and other efforts to ensure that future generations inherit a livable, sustainable, and ecologically rich planet.

Maddy summaryHR 2756, the Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act of 2023, requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to seek expanded military cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan's government within 180 days of enactment. The bill directs the Department of Defense to work with Taiwan on defending military networks and systems, eradicating cyber threats, using U.S. cybersecurity technology, and conducting joint training exercises. It also mandates a congressional briefing detailing the feasibility of this cooperation, potential challenges, and resources needed. The bill directly affects U.S. military commands (Cyber Command, Indo-Pacific Command) and the Government of Taiwan, focusing solely on establishing a framework for dialogue and reporting, without creating new funding or binding commitments.

Maddy summaryHR 2753, the Firearms Retailer Code of Conduct Act of 2023, requires licensed firearm retailers, manufacturers, and importers to implement new safety protocols. It mandates annual training for employees on recognizing straw purchases, illegal transfers, and self-harm risks, including a 20-question exam with a 70% passing requirement. Retailers must display written protocols identifying red flags (like multiple purchases or accomplices) and maintain liability insurance covering negligent transfers, unless they certify selling fewer than 20 firearms annually. The law takes effect 545 days after enactment, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or license suspension for violations.

Maddy summaryThe Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act establishes new standards for Department of Homeland Security detention facilities, requiring them to meet or exceed the American Bar Association's Civil Immigration Detention Standards. The bill mandates annual, unannounced inspections by the DHS Inspector General, public reporting on facility compliance, and a phased-out timeline for private detention facilities (phasing out by 3 years after enactment). It prohibits solitary confinement for all detainees, requires community-based alternatives to detention for vulnerable individuals, and mandates detailed public reporting on facility conditions, staffing, and detainee demographics. The legislation directly affects all immigrants held in DHS custody, including children, vulnerable persons, and primary caregivers, with specific protections for these groups in detention procedures.

Maddy summaryThe SAD Act prohibits crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) from making deceptive claims about offering abortion services, contraception, or employing licensed medical personnel. It directly affects CPCs nationwide - over 2,500 of which operate under false pretenses, often outnumbering abortion clinics by 3:1 in many states. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would enforce this by imposing civil penalties up to $100,000 or 50% of a CPC’s annual revenue for violations. The law requires CPCs to provide accurate information about reproductive health services, aiming to prevent misleading patients from accessing abortion care.