Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

Maddy summaryHR 8706, the "Dismantle DEI Act of 2024," would prohibit federal agencies from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, programs, or training by requiring the closure of existing DEI offices within 90 days and banning federal funding for DEI-related activities. The bill defines "prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion practices" as those that discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin, or require training that asserts a particular group is inherently superior or inferior. It would rescind several executive orders related to racial equity and gender inclusion, and prohibit the use of federal funds for DEI-related activities across all federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients. The bill contains limited exceptions for Equal Employment Opportunity offices and disability rights enforcement offices as historically organized and operated.

Maddy summary# Summary of Proposed Higher Education Act Amendments This document outlines significant proposed amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, primarily as part of the "College Cost Reduction Act." The key elements include: ## Accreditation Reform - Major overhaul of accreditation standards, requiring accrediting agencies to demonstrate independence from trade associations - New requirements for accrediting agencies to assess student achievement outcomes, including median value-added earnings relative to median total price charged - Introduction of an "Alternative Quality Assurance Experimental Site Initiative" to test non-accredited institutions - Protections for religious institutions, including a new process for appealing accreditation decisions related to religious mission - Removal of "litmus tests" that would require institutions to support specific political viewpoints ## Student Success Initiatives - Establishment of "Postsecondary Student Success Grants" to increase participation, retention, and completion rates for high-need students - Focus on evidence-based practices, with tiered requirements (tier 1, 2, and 3 reforms) - Mandatory inclusion of high-need student populations (low-income, first-generation, military-connected, etc.) - Requirements for institutions to report on completion rates, retention rates, and student demographics ## Regulatory Changes - Repeal of numerous existing regulations including: * Closed school discharges * Borrower defense to repayment * Pre-dispute arbitration * False certification requirements * Ability-to-benefit rules * Financial responsibility regulations - New restrictions on incentive compensation for recruiters - Changes to third-party servicer definitions and regulations ## Transfer and Credit Policies - New requirement that institutions cannot deny transfer credit based solely on the source of accreditation - Requirements for transparent transfer policies - Changes to reverse transfer policies ## Other Key Provisions - Modifications to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) - New definitions for "total price" and "value-added earnings" - Changes to the process for institutions to change accrediting agencies - New requirements for institutions to report on student outcomes The overall focus of these proposed amendments is to reduce regulatory burden on institutions, promote transparency, improve student outcomes (particularly for high-need students), modernize accreditation processes, and protect religious institutions' rights in accreditation decisions.

Maddy summaryHR 10143 requires the FEMA Administrator to transfer unspent funds from COVID-19 relief acts and funds that have passed their initial performance period for past disaster declarations into the Disaster Relief Fund. This bill directly affects FEMA's budget management by redirecting leftover government funds that were originally allocated for specific purposes. The key mechanism is a mandatory transfer of these unobligated amounts to the central Disaster Relief Fund, which is used to respond to future disasters. The bill does not create new spending but reallocates existing, unused funds to strengthen the Disaster Relief Fund's available resources.

Maddy summaryThe FEMA for America First Act of 2024 would restrict federal disaster relief assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to only "qualified aliens" as defined by immigration law. It specifically excludes asylees who haven't applied for permanent residency, refugees who haven't applied for permanent residency, and individuals admitted on parole without seeking permanent residency. This change affects non-citizens in these categories, making them ineligible for disaster aid, while U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents remain eligible under the existing definition. The bill does not alter eligibility for citizens or permanent residents but narrows access for certain non-citizens.

Maddy summaryThe Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 would end the practice of changing clocks twice a year for daylight saving time (DST) by making DST permanent nationwide, unless a state chooses to remain on standard time. It repeals the requirement to switch clocks back to standard time in the fall, directly affecting all U.S. states and territories that currently observe DST. The bill allows states that previously opted out of DST under the Uniform Time Act (like Arizona and Hawaii) to maintain their current time zone choices without further action. Key provisions include adjusting time zone offset language in existing law and granting states the authority to select either permanent DST or standard time based on their current arrangements. This change would eliminate seasonal time changes for most Americans, though states could still choose to stay on standard time if they prefer.

Maddy summaryHR 10111, the UAP Whistleblower Protection Act, expands federal whistleblower protections to cover disclosures about the use of taxpayer funds for researching unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). It amends existing laws to explicitly include "the use of Federal taxpayer funds to evaluate or research unidentified anomalous phenomena material" as a protected disclosure category. This applies to federal civilian employees, FBI personnel, Department of Defense personnel, DOD contractors, federal civilian contractors, and intelligence community workers. The bill ensures these individuals cannot face retaliation for reporting misuse of public funds related to UAP research, without altering how UAP investigations are conducted.

Maddy summaryHRES 1566 is a symbolic House resolution honoring all U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2024. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of the estimated 15.8 million veterans living in the U.S. as of 2023, including those who served in conflicts from World War II to post-9/11. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Veterans Day to acknowledge veterans' role in preserving national freedom. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct policy impact but formally expresses congressional recognition of veterans' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly housing stipend for veteran parents using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pursue education entirely through distance learning. It directly affects veteran parents with dependent children who take classes online full-time (more than half-time) instead of attending campus. The key provision amends the GI Bill to provide these parents the same housing stipend amount they would receive if physically attending most classes on campus in their local area. The change applies to the first academic year starting after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill terminates all federal funding for FEMA's Shelter and Services Program effective upon enactment. It prohibits new appropriations for this program or any similar successor program. Any remaining funds from the program as of the enactment date will be transferred to support disaster relief efforts under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act. The change directly affects FEMA's budget operations but redirects existing resources to broader disaster assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $10 billion to FEMA for disaster relief under the Stafford Act and $5 billion to HUD for housing assistance related to Hurricane Helene. The funds directly support affected residents and communities in areas damaged by the hurricane, covering immediate emergency aid and housing recovery needs. Key provisions include authorizing FEMA to distribute aid for emergency shelter, debris removal, and infrastructure repairs, while HUD funds will help with housing repairs, temporary housing, and community development. The bill makes no policy changes beyond allocating these specific emergency funds for Helene recovery efforts.