Rep. Joe Neguse

Maddy summaryHR 6684, the *Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act*, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how the Bayh-Dole Act’s patent disclosure rules affect contractors (like universities and companies receiving federal research funds). The GAO must report within one year on issues including delays in patent disclosures, burdens on institutions of higher education, challenges with the iEdison patent reporting system, and inconsistencies across federal agencies. This study aims to identify inefficiencies in current reporting requirements that may hinder U.S. competitiveness. The bill itself does not change laws but mandates this review to inform potential improvements to federal reporting processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error affecting certain 9/11 victims' families who settled claims through the 2014 court case *In re 650 Fifth Avenue*. It ensures these families - designated as "Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors" - receive withheld funds from the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund and can participate in future payments like other eligible claimants. The bill amends existing law to exempt these families from specific distribution rules and requires released funds to be paid directly to them. It does not create new payments but fixes a bureaucratic oversight preventing these families from accessing funds they were previously owed.

Maddy summaryThe PLAN for School Safety Act of 2023 creates a federal program to fund State and regional centers that help schools develop and improve individualized safety plans. These centers, established by eligible entities like state education agencies or Tribal organizations, provide tailored consulting on school safety, mental health, and violence prevention using research-backed methods. The program requires centers to cover 5% of activity costs and prioritizes support for schools in rural, Tribal, or low-resourced communities. Annual reports to Congress will track implementation progress, effectiveness, and how centers assist schools in accessing funding for safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe Workers POWER Act (HR 6634) strengthens federal labor enforcement by expanding staffing and resources for the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It creates new paid student positions (5 in Washington, DC, plus 2 per regional office), establishes child labor fellowships (5 per agency), and increases student loan repayment benefits for eligible employees. The bill also authorizes performance-based bonuses, retention incentives, and $250 million annually in grants to states to improve their labor enforcement capacity. These changes directly affect Department of Labor enforcement staff and state/local labor agencies working to address wage theft, child labor, and workplace safety violations.

Maddy summaryThe Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 increases the expenditure cap for home- and community-based care for veterans from 65% to 100% of costs, with exceptions for certain cases based on clinical need and geographic factors. It establishes new programs including Veteran-Directed Care, which allows veterans to select and manage their own in-home care services, and Home-Based Primary Care, which provides in-home health care overseen by VA providers. The bill requires improved coordination with existing programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and mandates a centralized website with information about available services. It specifically targets veterans who would otherwise require nursing home care or face increased risk of hospitalization, and includes provisions to address home health aide shortages through pilot programs.

Maddy summaryThe Saving Vet Halls Act of 2023 authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to eligible veterans service organizations (like local VFW or American Legion chapters) for repairing or upgrading existing facilities or technology at their locations. Organizations must submit a detailed plan for their proposed improvements and cannot use funds for new construction. Grants are capped at $75,000 per organization annually, and recipients cannot receive another grant for five consecutive fiscal years. The bill allocates $10 million in funding to support these facility and technology upgrades for veterans service organizations nationwide.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans HOPE Act (HR 6353) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to review opioid overdose deaths among veterans who died between 2010 and 2016. It mandates a detailed analysis of these deaths, including demographics, medications prescribed (especially those with black box warnings), prescribing patterns, and causes of death. The review must identify veterans who died from heroin, fentanyl, or nonprescription opioids without recent opioid prescriptions, and assess VA policies on prescribing and disposal of opioids. The VA must submit a public report to Congress within 18 months, including findings and recommendations to improve veteran safety and reduce overdose rates.

Maddy summaryHR 6557 requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to study grace periods under the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which helps service members transition to civilian careers. The study must assess how unit tasking affects service members' ability to participate in TAP, review current practices across military branches, analyze challenges in balancing duties with TAP requirements, and examine grace periods for unplanned absences like deployments. The Under Secretary must submit a report to Congress within one year, including findings, recommendations for reforming grace periods, and a plan for implementation if changes are proposed. This bill directly affects service members participating in TAP (referred to as "covered members") during their transition period.

Maddy summaryThe BOOST Act creates a 75% tax credit (up to $400) for individuals who purchase qualified signal boosters or related equipment for their principal residence in an area designated as "unserved" by the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. It specifically covers devices that strengthen wireless signals for broadband internet access in homes located in these underserved areas. The credit is limited to one taxable year per individual and expires after 2027. The bill also requires the IRS and FCC to establish guidelines for reporting qualifying sales.

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.