Rep. Scott H. Peters

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Never Again Education program, which funds Holocaust education initiatives in schools. It extends the program's funding authorization period from ending after four fiscal years to continuing annually through fiscal year 2030. The bill modifies the existing law (Public Law 116-141) by updating the funding timeline without changing program requirements or eligibility. It directly affects the existing grant program supporting educational materials and teacher training on the Holocaust. The change ensures continued federal funding for these specific educational efforts until 2030.

Maddy summaryHRES 895 is a resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 28, 2023, that condemns statements by some members of Congress calling for the expulsion of Palestinians from the United States. The resolution states such rhetoric is un-American, bigoted, and dangerous because it unfairly conflates Palestinians with Hamas and ignores the U.S. history of welcoming immigrants of all backgrounds. It specifically references H.R. 6211 (introduced November 2, 2023) as an example of harmful rhetoric. This resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic statement expressing the House's position.

Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Hamas to immediately release all 199 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution condemns Hamas for the attack, the taking of hostages, and threats against hostages, while stating that holding hostages violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. It demands the immediate release of all hostages and expresses sympathy for victims and their families. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create legal obligations but formally expresses the House's position.

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 886 is a non-binding House resolution supporting Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) by recognizing the epidemic of violence against transgender people and memorializing those lost in the year ending September 30, 2023. It specifically acknowledges the disproportionate impact of violence on transgender women of color, citing 33 documented deaths in the U.S. during that period (with estimates suggesting the actual number is higher due to underreporting). The resolution calls for Congress to prioritize studying and preventing such violence while affirming that all transgender people deserve dignity and respect. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to raise awareness and honor victims.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 872) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to transatlantic cooperation in combating antisemitism across Europe. It calls on European governments and the European Union to implement national strategies against antisemitism, standardize data collection on incidents, share best practices, and include Holocaust education in school curricula. The resolution specifically urges European countries to address rising antisemitic incidents documented by reports from ADL and Tel Aviv University, which show widespread antisemitic attitudes in multiple European nations. It does not create new laws but emphasizes collaboration to protect Jewish communities and counter online hate. The resolution directly affects European governments and Jewish communities in Europe through its recommendations for policy action.

Maddy summaryThis bill closes loopholes that allow domestic violence abusers to keep or buy firearms while under restraining orders. It requires courts to issue "firearm surrender orders" when domestic violence restraining orders are issued, mandating that abusers surrender all firearms within 24 hours. The law expands the definition of "intimate partner" to include dating partners and requires law enforcement to remove firearms if abusers don't comply. It also creates a federal grant program to help states implement these policies, directly affecting domestic violence survivors and abusers subject to restraining orders.

Maddy summaryHR 6404, the Disarming Cartels Act, requires the Department of Homeland Security to enhance border security efforts to disrupt the smuggling of U.S.-sourced firearms and related munitions into Mexico. Key provisions mandate increased collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Mexican authorities; establishing information-sharing mechanisms for firearm interdictions; analyzing recovered firearms in Mexico to trace U.S. sources; and expanding outbound inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing implementation progress, joint operations, and performance metrics for these efforts. This legislation directly affects DHS agencies, Mexican government partners, and aims to address cross-border firearm trafficking through concrete operational changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal transit grant rules to encourage housing near transit by adding incentives for projects that support "pro-housing policies." It defines such policies as local actions removing regulatory barriers to housing construction, including reducing parking minimums, creating faster approval processes for multi-family housing, and eliminating height restrictions. Transit project applicants can earn an extra point in their grant rating if they submit evidence of these policies in areas near transit, with the Department of Transportation consulting the Housing Secretary to assess how the policies will increase housing supply. The bill directly affects state and local governments implementing these policies and transit project applicants seeking federal capital investment grants.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning November 13, 2023, as "National Apprenticeship Week" through symbolic congressional support. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the value of registered apprenticeships in providing paid on-the-job training, industry credentials, and career pathways. The resolution highlights apprenticeships' role in developing skilled workers, supporting high-wage sectors like healthcare and green energy, and promoting diversity in training opportunities. It aims to increase public awareness of apprenticeships as an effective "earn-and-learn" model for workers and employers.