Rep. Joe Neguse

Maddy summaryHR 8899, the Ko’ko’ BIRDS Stamp Act, directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special semipostal stamp (where the extra cost over postage supports a cause) for four years. All revenue from the stamp's sales must go directly to Guam’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources to fund native bird conservation, rehabilitation, breeding programs, and brown tree snake eradication efforts. The funds are protected from being offset against future postal service appropriations, ensuring dedicated support for these wildlife programs. This bill specifically affects Guam’s wildlife conservation initiatives by creating a new funding stream through stamp sales.

Maddy summaryThe SAFES Act creates a federal tax credit for individuals who purchase gun safes, allowing them to deduct 90% of the cost, up to $500 per person or $1,000 for joint returns. For purchases made before 2030, any qualifying gun safe qualifies; after 2029, only safes meeting standards set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be eligible, based on an HHS report required within five years of enactment. The bill prohibits requiring taxpayers to disclose firearm ownership details to claim the credit. This policy directly affects individual firearm owners seeking to reduce tax liability through safe storage purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to include independent study programs offered by institutions already participating in federal student aid programs (like Pell Grants). It directly affects veterans using VA education benefits and qualifying educational institutions. The key change amends VA rules to count these independent programs as eligible for benefit coverage, effective August 1, 2024. This allows veterans to use their benefits for non-traditional education options, such as online or self-paced courses, at schools that meet federal financial aid requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal framework for "extreme risk protection orders" (ERPOs) that temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a risk of harming themselves or others. Family members or law enforcement officers can petition a federal court for a temporary order (up to 14 days) based on probable cause, followed by a hearing within 72 hours to determine if a longer-term order (up to 180 days) is warranted. The bill requires clear and convincing evidence of risk at the hearing and mandates respondents to surrender firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours. It also includes provisions for reporting, training law enforcement on ERPOs, and a federal grant program to support state ERPO implementation, without preempting state laws.

Maddy summaryHR 8800 designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, amending Title 36 of the U.S. Code to formally state this. The bill directly affects official federal designations but does not change existing policies or government actions. It includes findings about the bald eagle's historical, cultural, and symbolic significance, including its role in Indigenous traditions and government imagery. The bill explicitly states that this designation cannot be used to alter any current government plans or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1309) calls for federal recognition and support of freedmen's settlements - historical Black communities established by formerly enslaved people after emancipation - by preserving their history and investing in their revitalization. It specifically targets communities like Sand Branch, Texas (facing water contamination and poverty) and Africatown, Alabama (struggling with industrial pollution), which have endured systemic disinvestment and environmental hazards. Key provisions include urging federal agencies (like the EPA and HUD) to coordinate funding for historic preservation, economic justice initiatives, and infrastructure improvements, while prioritizing community-led efforts to protect against gentrification and pollution. The resolution does not create new laws but sets a framework for collaboration to address long-standing inequities in these historically marginalized communities.

Orbital Sustainability Act of 2024 or the ORBITS Act of 2024 This bill directs specified agencies to take actions to remediate orbital debris (human-made space objects that are no longer in use and can harm orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities). The Department of Commerce must publish and periodically update a list of orbital debris that may be remediated to reduce the risk of harm to orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities. In addition, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must (1) establish a demonstration program to foster the development of technologies to remediate the orbital debris on the list, and (2) carry out other research and development activities to advance technologies for remediating orbital debris. NASA (and other relevant agencies) may also contract for remediation services to support the commercial availability of such services. Additionally, the National Space Council must update the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices within 90 days of the enactment of the bill and update them periodically thereafter. The updates must address matters including satellite constellations and other planned space systems, collision risks, and disposal of space systems after missions. The updates must inform (1) regulations of other agencies concerning orbital debris, and (2) bilateral and multilateral discussions with other countries concerning certain space activities. Finally, Commerce must facilitate the development of standard practices to coordinate on-orbit space traffic. Upon completion of the practices, Commerce and other federal departments must promote their adoption and use for space missions.

Maddy summaryHR 8768, the Restoring Trust in Public Safety Act, provides $15 million annually (2025-2030) for federal grants to state, tribal, and local governments to safely destroy firearms. Eligible entities must use funds to fully destroy firearms (including all parts and accessories) through methods like shredding or crushing, maintain detailed records, and provide documented proof of destruction. The bill requires grantees to use no more than 10% of funds for administration and prioritizes funding for rural areas and Metropolitan Statistical Areas. It directly affects local law enforcement agencies and governments seeking to eliminate firearms through certified destruction programs.

Maddy summaryHR 8732, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, would establish new labor protections for domestic workers including nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers who work in private homes. The bill requires written agreements between employers and domestic employees, provides earned sick days, ensures fair scheduling practices, and prohibits unfair wage deductions for cash shortages or communications. It also creates a Domestic Employee Standards Board to recommend workplace standards and establishes a National Domestic Employee Hotline for assistance. The bill specifically targets domestic workers who have historically been excluded from labor protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Civil Rights Act, benefiting an estimated 2.2 million domestic workers in the U.S. who are disproportionately women of color and immigrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award Edward J. Dwight, Jr., a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize his historic role as the first African-American astronaut candidate, his example of excellence during the Civil Rights Era amid racial discrimination, and his contributions to art and Black history. The medal, to be struck by the U.S. Mint, would be presented by congressional leaders and given to Dwight or, if unavailable, to his relative Curtis Christopher Dwight. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates at cost to cover production expenses, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint's fund.