Rep. Katie Porter

Maddy summaryHR 6468, the Ban Water Beads Act, bans specific water beads products from sale after 180 days of enactment. It defines banned products as those made of water-absorbing polymers (like polyacrylamides), sold with beads small enough to fit in a child's mouth, and marketed as toys, educational materials, or art supplies. These products would be classified as "banned hazardous products" under the Consumer Product Safety Act, prohibiting their manufacture, import, or sale. The law directly affects manufacturers, importers, and retailers of such water beads products intended for children's use.

Maddy summaryHR 6451, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2023, provides $250 million in federal grants to states, tribes, and localities to hire mental health professionals as first responders for specific emergencies. It directs these professionals to replace police in situations involving mental health crises, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities - such as when a 911 caller describes a mental health emergency or a first responder identifies someone needing mental health support. The bill requires grantees to train responders in de-escalation techniques, link individuals to community-based services (not incarceration), and report on outcomes like reduced arrests or use of force. It also mandates data collection on demographics and prevents funneling people into institutional settings, with annual reports to Congress on program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHRES 881 is a symbolic House resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It honors the Act's role in preventing the extinction of species like the bald eagle and humpback whale, citing its success in protecting 99% of listed species. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or affect any specific group, as it serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of the Act's conservation achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all federal agencies to report detailed spending on advertising contracts. Specifically, agencies must break down total advertising expenditures and show how much was spent with women-owned, minority-owned, and socially/economically disadvantaged small businesses. These reports must include both prior-year actual spending and projected spending for the upcoming fiscal year. The new reporting requirements apply to agency budgets submitted for fiscal year 2025 and beyond.

Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, or recall elections.

Maddy summaryThe National Disaster Safety Board Act of 2023 would establish a new independent agency to review natural disaster incidents that cause significant loss of life or economic injury. The Board would examine incidents with 10 or more fatalities or meeting specific criteria, focusing on learning from these events to prevent future harm rather than assigning blame. It would issue recommendations to federal, state, tribal, and local entities to improve disaster preparedness and response, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable communities. The Board would coordinate with existing agencies like FEMA and the National Weather Service, and would be required to publish findings and recommendations within a year of initiating a review.

Maddy summaryHR 6415, the CARE for First Responders Act, creates targeted mental health support for first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 operators (previously excluded from many services). It establishes a 24/7 confidential mental health hotline integrated with the 988 Suicide Lifeline, funds mobile crisis teams for disaster response, and mandates specialized training to reduce stigma and improve access to culturally competent care. The bill requires the development of peer support programs and education for responders and their families on mental health coping strategies. It authorizes $5 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to states and organizations to implement these services, specifically addressing the higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide among first responders compared to the general population.

Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act of 2023 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award grants to create or expand programs at minority-serving institutions that foster, promote, and increase opportunities for minority entrepreneurship and business ownership. The SBA must also establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Advisory Board to develop recommendations regarding how these institutions can better serve minority businesses and entrepreneurs.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home after serving in the Armed Forces, their heroic military sacrifices, and their patriotism in fighting for equal rights and for the dignity of a people and a nation. The concurrent resolution also recognizes the need for the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to work to eliminate any health and benefit disparities for minority veterans.

Maddy summaryHRES 861 is a non-binding resolution calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all detained Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and civilians. It demands Azerbaijan provide information on missing persons, allow independent monitoring of detainees' conditions, and comply with international law. The resolution also urges the U.S. President to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for abuses and suspend military aid under existing law. This resolution directly addresses Azerbaijan’s government, targeting its actions regarding Armenians detained since the 2020 conflict and the 2023 Artsakh offensive.