Rep. Joe Neguse

Maddy summaryHR 3861, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, extends federal tax filing deadlines for taxpayers affected by disasters. It allows state governors (or the D.C. mayor) to request postponement of tax deadlines when a disaster is declared under *state* law, not just federal declarations. The bill increases the maximum extension period from 60 to 120 days for affected taxpayers in all U.S. states, territories (including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia. This change directly impacts individuals and businesses needing more time to file taxes after qualifying natural disasters.

Maddy summaryHR 698, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023, prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of specific firearms and ammunition devices commonly referred to as "assault weapons" and "large capacity magazines" in interstate commerce. The bill defines "semiautomatic assault weapons" to include rifles like AR-15s and AK-47s, as well as firearms with specific features such as folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels, and detachable magazines holding more than 15 rounds. It exempts law enforcement, military, antique firearms, and weapons already lawfully owned before the law's enactment (known as "grandfathered" weapons). The bill also requires new identification markings on these weapons and large capacity magazines, and adds background check requirements for transfers of grandfathered weapons.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to incorporate bird-safe design features in public buildings during construction, acquisition, or major renovations (over 50% facade alteration). It mandates the General Services Administration to develop and update a design guide with strategies like specialized glass, lighting modifications, and maintenance practices to reduce bird collisions. The guide must be shared with all federal agencies and include input from bird conservation experts. Exemptions apply to historic sites, the White House, Supreme Court, and Capitol complex. Annual reports on compliance and bird fatality assessments must be submitted to Congress.

Comprehensive Legislation Ensuring Accountability and Responsiveness Act of 2023 or the CLEAR Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to submit any proposed or temporary regulation, prior to its publication, to the National Taxpayer Advocate for comment on the impact of such regulation on taxpayer rights or taxpayer burden. Treasury must consider the comments of the National Taxpayer Advocate before prescribing any final regulation that supersedes a proposed or temporary regulation.

Maddy summaryHR 3792 extends U.S. security funding for Israel through 2028 (Section 3) and expands energy cooperation to include advanced nuclear technologies and carbon capture (Section 5). It requires annual reports on regional security partnerships involving Israel (Section 6) and ensures countries in the Abraham Accords can access U.S. development programs (Section 8). The bill also mandates reports on diplomatic efforts against ICC investigations targeting the U.S. and Israel (Section 10) and encourages people-to-people programs to strengthen the Abraham Accords (Sections 7, 9). These provisions directly affect Israel’s diplomatic engagement, security partnerships, and economic cooperation in the Middle East.

Maddy summaryThe Disaster Assistance Fairness Act helps condominiums and housing cooperatives (types of residential common interest communities) access federal disaster aid more easily after major disasters. It requires the President to issue rules allowing debris removal from these communities when state or local officials determine the debris threatens safety, health, or economic recovery. The bill also expands federal funding to cover repairs of essential shared areas (like roofs, elevators, and electrical systems) in these communities, provided owners can document their share of costs. This change applies to disasters declared after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023 would establish a universal school meals program providing free breakfast and lunch to all children enrolled in participating schools, regardless of family income. Key provisions include eliminating income-based eligibility requirements for school breakfast and lunch programs, setting specific reimbursement rates ($2.80 for breakfast and $4.63 for lunch with annual inflation adjustments), and prohibiting schools from collecting debt for unpaid meals or "shaming" students. The bill also replaces references to "free or reduced price" with "economically disadvantaged students" in related laws and establishes new methods for identifying children from low-income backgrounds. This legislation would directly affect all public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Maddy summaryThe Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023 amends the Food and Nutrition Act to update how SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are calculated. It replaces the "thrifty food plan" with a "low-cost food plan" based on a specific 4-person family diet, requiring the government to reevaluate this plan by 2029 and every 5 years after. The bill also updates medical expense deductions, eliminates time limits on benefits, and allows Puerto Rico to join SNAP with specific transition requirements. These changes directly affect SNAP recipients, particularly in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska, by adjusting benefit calculations to better reflect current food costs.

Maddy summaryHR 3036, the Increased TSP Access Act of 2023, amends conservation program rules to expand access to third-party providers (TSPs) who offer technical assistance to farmers on conservation practices. It creates new pathways for non-Federal entities like agricultural cooperatives or professional associations to certify TSPs, streamlines certification processes (requiring Secretary review within 10 business days), and sets payment rates for TSPs equivalent to government-provided technical assistance. The bill mandates public reporting on certification numbers, payment details, and a target utilization rate for TSPs to improve conservation program delivery. It directly affects farmers participating in USDA conservation programs by increasing options for technical support and requiring transparency in how TSPs are certified and compensated.

Pigs in Gestation Stalls Act of 2023 or the PIGS Act of 2023 This bill expands the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit certain methods of confining breeding pigs that restrict their movement. In addition, it establishes a program that provides financial assistance to pig producers to assist them in complying with the prohibitions.