Rep. John Garamendi

Maddy summaryHR 2912, the Airport Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act, restricts the use of federal funds for purchasing rolling stock (like baggage carts or shuttles) at airports if the manufacturer is tied to certain countries identified for trade concerns. It prohibits federal funding for contracts awarded after the bill's enactment if the manufacturer is owned by, related to, or a subsidiary of a corporation based in a country designated as a nonmarket economy, on a U.S. trade priority watch list, or under trade monitoring. The law specifically excludes minority investments as "related" but includes any ties involving Chinese-based corporations. This directly affects airport projects receiving federal infrastructure funding that would otherwise use such vehicles.

Maddy summaryThe Flight Education Access Act increases federal student loan limits for students enrolled in eligible flight education programs, which prepare students for commercial pilot certification. It sets specific annual and aggregate loan limits based on a student's year of study (e.g., dependent students can borrow up to $111,000 total), and requires programs to meet a 70% completion rate after three years to maintain eligibility. The bill also creates a new $40 million annual grant program to support partnerships between educational institutions and aviation industry partners to diversify the pilot workforce and increase interest in aviation careers. It requires data collection on program completion rates and demographic information, with reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHR 2886, the Base Access Privileges Improvement Act, standardizes access procedures for specific groups at U.S. military installations. It requires the Defense Secretary to create uniform screening protocols for civilian workers, contractors, labor organizers, and others (like military families or state officials conducting inspections) seeking entry, including pre-arrival registration and unescorted access using existing IDs where possible. The bill mandates public websites listing main entrances, commercial delivery points, and access standards, with annual updates and a 180-day deadline for the first implementation report to Congress. It also aligns with prior laws like the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to streamline access for union representatives seeking contractors at installations.

Raise the Age Act of 2023 This bill establishes new restrictions on the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals under 21 years of age. Specifically, this bill makes it unlawful for a licensed gun dealer, importer, manufacturer, or collector to sell or deliver a semiautomatic center-fire rifle or semiautomatic center-fire shotgun that has (or has the capacity to accept) an ammunition feeding device with a capacity of more than five rounds to an individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under age 21. The prohibition does not apply if the individual under age 21 is a full-time law enforcement officer or active-duty member of the Armed Forces. The bill also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to report on the operation of its public access line, including a description of information sharing protocols and recommendations for improving such protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of federal funds to develop or deploy autonomous weapons systems that lack meaningful human control for nuclear weapon launches or target selection. It directly affects federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense, by banning spending on such systems for nuclear purposes. The key provision requires human oversight over target selection and launch decisions, aligning with existing U.S. policy and international law requiring human control in nuclear command. The bill does not ban autonomous systems generally but specifically restricts their use in nuclear contexts where human judgment is mandated.

Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2023 or the MATCH Act of 202 3 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) identify a list of emergency watershed protection measures the cost of which may be incurred by a state, local government, or Indian tribe prior to entering into an agreement with USDA under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program; and (2) develop procedures, including appropriate deadlines, to be implemented at the state level, through which such entities may request and incur the cost for additional emergency watershed protection measures. USDA must consider any applicable pre-agreement costs incurred by a state, local government, or Indian tribe for undertaking emergency watershed protection measures as meeting part of its contribution towards the project costs.

Maddy summaryThe ACTION for National Service Act reorganizes the Corporation for National and Community Service into the AmeriCorps Administration, an Executive department, and establishes new programs to expand national service opportunities. It increases national service educational awards to twice the average in-state tuition for public 4-year colleges and raises living allowances for participants. The bill creates a Civilian Climate Corps focused on climate-related projects in disproportionately impacted communities and establishes a National Service Foundation to accept private donations. It also creates a new outreach program to notify individuals aged 17-30 about service opportunities, with a goal of reaching 1 million participants annually by 2033.

Maddy summaryHR 2808, the Arnold Daniel Palmer Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce three commemorative coins in 2029 honoring golfer Arnold Palmer: $5 gold coins (50,000 max), $1 silver coins (400,000 max), and half-dollar clad coins (750,000 max). The bill requires coin designs to feature Palmer's image and includes surcharges ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar) that fund the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. All surcharge revenue must support the Foundation's work in youth health, character development through golf, and nature wellness programs. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued in 2029, with all funds covering minting costs before surcharges are directed to the Foundation.

Maddy summaryThe Armenian Genocide Education Act (HR 2803) establishes a Library of Congress program to support U.S. schools in teaching about the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. The program will develop educational resources, provide teacher training, and maintain an online resource center to help schools incorporate accurate historical information into curricula. It prioritizes schools without existing Armenian Genocide education programs, with $2 million authorized annually for five years. The Librarian of Congress will report yearly on the program’s activities to Congress.

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that (1) medication abortion is appropriately approved and regulated under federal law, and (2) federal law preempts any in-person dispensing requirements or telehealth restrictions with respect to medication abortion under state law.