Rep. Katie Porter

Maddy summaryHR 7775, the PFAS-Free Procurement Act of 2024, prohibits U.S. executive agencies from entering new contracts for specific items containing harmful PFOS or PFOA chemicals starting October 1, 2025. It directly affects federal agencies purchasing nonstick cookware, cooking utensils, and furniture, carpets, or rugs with stain-resistant coatings. The bill requires agencies to prioritize buying these items without PFOS/PFOA when available and practical. This law aims to reduce government use of persistent chemicals linked to health and environmental concerns through concrete procurement rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a new wealth tax on individuals with significant assets, targeting those with net assets exceeding $50 million. It would tax assets between $50 million and $1 billion at 2%, and assets above $1 billion at 3% (potentially increasing to 6% if certain health care legislation is enacted). The tax would apply to individuals, married couples treated as a single taxpayer, and certain trusts, with specific valuation and reporting requirements for assets. The bill also includes $70 billion in funding over 10 years for the IRS to enforce this new tax and related reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThe GO Ag Act (HR 7731) creates a federal grant program to fund new agricultural education programs in secondary schools. It provides competitive grants of up to $100,000 per applicant for 5 years, requiring schools to demonstrate how programs will serve all students - including special populations - and align with existing career education standards. Grants cover curriculum development, equipment, and materials but cannot fund programs already operating or prepare students exclusively for one employer. The bill authorizes $5 million through fiscal year 2027 to support these new initiatives.

Maddy summaryHR 6610, the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act, aims to reduce delays in U.S. passport processing for citizens applying for routine new or renewal passports. It mandates a 30-day processing standard from document submission to mailing, requires technology upgrades like digital tracking dashboards and mobile apps for applicant updates, and authorizes hiring up to 100 temporary staff annually for passport offices. The bill also sets cybersecurity standards, maintains affordable fees, and requires regular progress reports to Congress on implementation. These changes directly affect U.S. citizens seeking passports, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to processing centers.

Maddy summaryThe Housing ACCESS Act requires the federal government to issue guidance within one year to help states connect Medicaid beneficiaries with housing services. It directs states to align eligibility processes, streamline service coordination between health and housing agencies, and track outcomes like housing stability - disaggregated by race. The bill also mandates a national study to set fair reimbursement rates for housing services, aiming to ensure living wages for providers and a 1:15 case manager-to-client ratio. States must report on progress within two years, with the guidance intended to simplify how health and housing providers access each other's systems.

Maddy summaryHRES 1079 is a symbolic House resolution condemning Russia's claimed suspension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty, which the U.S. considers legally invalid. It calls on Russia to immediately return to full compliance with New START, including resuming inspections and data sharing, and emphasizes the importance of arms control for global stability. The resolution urges the Biden administration to continue arms control talks with Russia and China to prevent a nuclear arms race. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change U.S. policy but expresses congressional support for maintaining the New START framework, which limits Russia's nuclear arsenal to 1,550 warheads.

Maddy summaryHR 7634, the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, prohibits plastic pellets and pre-production plastic materials from being discharged into water through wastewater, spills, or runoff from specific facilities. It directly affects plastic polymer production facilities, plastic molding and forming facilities, and any point source (like packaging or transport operations) handling plastic pellets. The bill requires the EPA to issue a final rule within 60 days of enactment banning these discharges and updating all relevant wastewater, stormwater, and performance standards in permits and regulations. This creates a legal requirement for facilities to prevent plastic pellet pollution in waterways, targeting a major source of ocean plastic pollution.

Maddy summaryHRES 1074 is a symbolic House resolution reaffirming congressional support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It explicitly states the House supports Israel's right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state and recognizes Palestinians' right to sovereignty through a separate state. The resolution identifies a two-state solution as the best path to lasting peace and condemns efforts opposing this approach. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law or policy but formally expresses the House's position on this issue. It was introduced by multiple House members on March 12, 2024.

Maddy summaryHR 7639 establishes a 14-member National Advisory Council to address unpaid school meal fees in child nutrition programs. The Council, composed of diverse members including school nutrition directors, parents, FNS officials, and food service workers, will provide recommendations to the Food and Nutrition Service Administrator within three years. Its key focus is ensuring students aren’t shamed for unpaid fees while helping schools maintain financial stability for meal programs. The Council’s report will guide future policy guidance, but the bill itself creates no immediate changes to school meal eligibility or funding. This procedural bill sets up a process for studying the issue, not implementing new rules.

Maddy summaryHR 886, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, updates administrative and structural provisions of the Marine Debris Foundation and its programs. It clarifies that "tribal organization" refers to entities defined under the Indian Self-Determination Act, enabling direct tribal participation in marine debris initiatives. The bill modifies board appointment rules (requiring Commerce Secretary approval for some roles), reclassifies the Foundation as a corporation, and sets a 24-month limit on using federal funds for salaries. It also expands eligible grant recipients to include Indian tribes, international NGOs, and foreign governments, while requiring the Foundation to develop tribal outreach best practices. These changes streamline operations and broaden collaboration without altering core marine debris reduction programs.