Rep. Scott H. Peters

Maddy summaryThe Truth in Tuition Act of 2023 requires colleges and universities to provide students with clear, long-term cost information before enrollment. Specifically, institutions must offer either a multi-year tuition and fee schedule or a single-year schedule plus a nonbinding estimate of total net costs (after financial aid) for the full program duration, assuming stable family income. If using the single-year option, schools must also share historical data on how accurate their past estimates were. This applies to all undergraduate and graduate programs and takes effect 120 days after enactment. The law aims to make tuition costs more transparent for students and families.

Maddy summaryHR 5983, the Clean Water Act of 2023, redefines "protected water resources" under federal law to explicitly include all interstate and intrastate waters (such as intermittent and ephemeral streams), wetlands, and their tributaries. This directly affects federal agencies like the EPA, states managing water quality, and developers or landowners needing permits for activities near these waters. The bill eliminates the Supreme Court’s narrow "navigable waters" definition from Sackett v. EPA (2023), restoring protections for tens of millions of acres of wetlands and millions of miles of small streams. Key mechanisms require the EPA to annually review and adjust exclusions from protections based on scientific evidence, ensuring water bodies critical to drinking water, flood control, and ecosystems remain safeguarded.

Maddy summaryHRES 819 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the 5-year anniversary of the October 27, 2018, antisemitic attack at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which killed 11 people. It condemns antisemitism and references rising hate incidents, including the Anti-Defamation League’s 2022 report of record antisemitic activity (3,697 incidents). The resolution honors the victims, expresses solidarity with affected Jewish communities, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combatting hate and protecting religious freedom. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect but serves as a formal statement of congressional stance.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores federal student loans for graduate and professional students by temporarily reinstating eligibility for Federal Direct Stafford Loans, which was previously terminated. It applies directly to graduate students who were excluded from these loans, preventing them from accumulating additional debt. The change is temporary, ending on or before June 30, 2023, and modifies specific provisions of the Higher Education Act without requiring additional rulemaking.

Maddy summaryHRES 801 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the cultural significance of the Hmong New Year. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the traditions of Hmong Americans celebrating this holiday. The resolution expresses respect for Hmong Americans observing the New Year and wishes them a happy celebration. It directly affects Hmong American communities by affirming their cultural practices through official congressional recognition. This is a ceremonial gesture with no binding obligations or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryHRES 765 is a non-binding resolution urging all Americans to observe October 2023 as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month. It recognizes the historical contributions of Italian and Italian-American people to U.S. society, including in fields like military leadership, medicine, arts, and science. The resolution asks the public to acknowledge this heritage through appropriate events and activities during October 2023. It directly affects the general public by encouraging community observances, but does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Defense to report on at-home child care programs for military families, including program changes and challenges military spouses face with licensing or relocation. It also mandates a feasibility study to standardize licensing requirements, remove barriers to program expansion, and support military spouse employment in these roles. The report and study must be submitted to congressional committees within 39 months and 180 days after the report, respectively. The bill directly affects military spouses seeking child care employment by addressing systemic hurdles in accessing these jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a one-time $40,000 payment to former Air America employees who served at least five years during 1950-1976, or to their survivors (widows/widowers, dependents, or children). Additional $8,000 payments are provided for each full year of service beyond five years. The total funding is capped at $60 million, with claims due within two years of regulations being finalized. It does not create ongoing benefits or change Air America’s legal status, and payments are issued as a single lump sum.