Rep. Mike Thompson

Maddy summaryHRES 273 is a symbolic House resolution supporting National Women's History Month for March 2023. It expresses the House's recognition of the goals and ideals of this annual observance, which honors women's historical contributions and the women's suffrage movement. The resolution specifically acknowledges women and organizations that promote teaching women's history and the suffrage movement. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of historical achievements.

Maddy summaryThe RISE Act (HR 2401) requires colleges to accept multiple types of documentation - such as past Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, or licensed professional evaluations - to verify a student’s disability for accommodations, rather than requiring current evaluations. It also mandates institutions to publicly share clear, accessible processes for determining accommodation eligibility and to report specific disability-related enrollment data (like total students with disabilities and accommodations used) to federal databases. The bill authorizes $10 million for a national support center to assist postsecondary students with disabilities. It applies directly to institutions of higher education and students formally registered with disability services offices, without altering existing ADA definitions or rights.

Maddy summaryHR 2403, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2023, modifies federal firearm background check procedures to address delays. It requires firearm licensees to wait at least 10 business days after a prospective buyer submits a petition verifying they are not prohibited from owning firearms before completing a sale, if the background check system hasn't cleared the transaction. The bill also mandates the Attorney General to create an electronic petition form, provide timely responses to petitions, and track delays. Additionally, it requires multiple reports analyzing implementation, transaction delays, denial reasons by state, and potential impacts on domestic violence victim safety, with the first report due within 150 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 2394, the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, creates a federal list of passengers who commit specific aviation security offenses, such as assaulting crew members, threatening flight safety, or tampering with security systems. Individuals added to this list are banned from boarding commercial flights until removed through established procedures. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop clear policies for adding individuals to the list, handling appeals within 5 days for potential errors, and maintaining annual reports on the list's composition. These provisions directly affect passengers convicted of or penalized for the specified offenses, aiming to enhance safety by restricting repeat offenders from flying.

Maddy summaryThe International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 creates a permanent Special Envoy at the State Department to coordinate U.S. efforts against discrimination and violence targeting LGBTQI+ people globally. The bill requires the development of an annual global strategy to address criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. It also mandates that U.S. country reports on human rights practices include detailed information about laws and practices affecting LGBTQI+ communities. The legislation authorizes U.S. foreign assistance programs to support LGBTQI+ rights through health services, legal protections, and community capacity building. This bill aims to strengthen U.S. diplomatic engagement on LGBTQI+ rights as part of broader human rights policy.

Maddy summaryHR 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, amends federal law to strengthen penalties for individuals or organizations charging veterans unauthorized fees when helping with VA benefit claims. It directly affects veterans seeking assistance with VA claims and the representatives (like advocates or attorneys) who might charge them fees. The bill adds a new provision making it a violation to solicit, charge, or receive any fee for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA claims, punishable by fines under Title 18. This change specifically targets unauthorized fee-charging while excluding fees covered under existing exceptions in sections 5904 or 1984 of the law.

Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan Fulbright Scholars Act of 2023 This bill authorizes special immigrant visas for qualifying citizens or nationals of Afghanistan who were selected for certain educational and cultural exchange programs. Specifically, a citizen or national of Afghanistan (and any accompanying spouse or child of such an individual) may be eligible for a special immigrant visa if the individual was selected between October 7, 2001, and August 31, 2023, to participate in a qualifying educational or cultural exchange program administered by the Department of State, including the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program. Generally, such visas shall be subject to protections and requirements similar to those for special immigrant visas for citizens or nationals of Afghanistan who were employed by the United States in Afghanistan.

Maddy summaryHR 1831 would award Billie Jean King a Congressional Gold Medal to honor her lifelong advocacy for equal rights in sports and society. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal and have it presented by congressional leaders, recognizing her pivotal role in advancing women's equality through tennis (including founding the Women’s Tennis Association and securing equal prize money) and her broader impact on society through initiatives like Title IX advocacy.

Maddy summaryHR 1814, the FIRE STATION Act, creates a federal grant program to help fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations upgrade or build facilities. It directly affects career, volunteer, and combination fire departments, as well as fire training facilities and nonaffiliated EMS organizations (non-hospital-based EMS groups). The program allocates $750 million for fiscal year 2024, with grants covering facility construction/renovation, safety upgrades (like HVAC or mold remediation), and requiring compliance with current safety codes. Grants are capped at $7.5 million per recipient, must follow Davis-Bacon wage standards, and require annual reporting on fund usage and program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHR 1794 authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to honor the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. It specifies four coin types ($5 gold, $1 silver, half-dollar clad, and proof silver $1) with defined weights, sizes, and mintage limits (e.g., up to 100,000 gold coins). A surcharge is added to each coin sale (e.g., $35 for gold coins), with all surcharge funds directed to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties to support legacy programs and the Games' operations. The coins must be issued only during 2028 and are legal tender, though the bill focuses solely on commemorative coinage, not policy changes.