Rep. W. Gregory Steube

Maddy summaryHR 903 creates a 3-year pilot program offering grants to up to 250 eligible veterans to start or acquire small businesses, franchises, or startups. Eligible veterans must have completed 36+ months of active duty (or 24+ months for disability) and qualify for VA education benefits under Chapter 30 or 33. Grantees must complete approved entrepreneurship training, submit a business plan for approval, and receive funds in installments after meeting business milestones. The program provides grants up to the value of the veteran’s education benefits plus monthly housing-equivalent support during the business development period.

Maddy summaryHR 932 repeals two key congressional authorizations for military force in Iraq: the 1991 resolution (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 resolution (Public Law 107-243). This bill removes the legal foundation that has permitted U.S. military operations in Iraq for over two decades. It directly affects the executive branch’s authority to conduct military actions under these specific resolutions, requiring future operations to seek new congressional approval. The repeal is a procedural change that would end the statutory basis for ongoing military engagement in Iraq without altering other laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to require colleges and universities receiving federal funding to disclose gifts or contracts exceeding $5,000 from groups connected to China's government, Communist Party, or military. It mandates annual reports on joint activities with such groups and requires institutions to publicly post all agreements with them on their websites. The law defines "affiliated" organizations broadly to include state-owned enterprises, think tanks receiving significant Chinese funding, and entities with Chinese officials on their boards. Reports must be filed by January 31 or July 31 each year, detailing donor names, agreement terms, and supporting documentation.

Maddy summaryThe REEF Act requires the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress 90 days before retiring any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing. It also states that Congress believes the Navy should actively seek opportunities to repurpose such vessels for environmental benefits through artificial reefs. This bill does not change retirement procedures but mandates a formal notification process to inform Congress about potential reefing options for eligible vessels.

Maddy summaryHR 881, the Safeguarding the U.S. Armed Forces and Service Academies Act, prohibits federal enforcement of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for military members and cadets/midshipmen at federal service academies, and bans adverse actions like discharge for refusal. It requires the military to reinstate those involuntarily separated for vaccine refusal to their prior rank or academy status with back pay and expunged records, and mandates honorable discharge characterizations for such separations. The bill directly affects members of the Armed Forces and cadets/midshipmen at the five federal service academies (West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy). Key provisions include reversing discharges related to vaccine refusal, providing back pay, and ensuring reinstatement without penalty for those who declined the vaccine.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying veterans any benefits due to participation in state-approved marijuana programs. It requires VA healthcare providers to discuss cannabis use with enrolled veterans, adjust treatment plans accordingly, and document such use in medical records. VA doctors are also authorized to provide recommendations about state cannabis programs to veterans living in states that have legalized them. The policy directly affects veterans enrolled in VA care who use state-legal cannabis, removing federal barriers to their participation in state programs without benefit penalties.

Modern GI Bill Act This bill authorizes individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to apply amounts of such assistance to repay federal student loans for up to 36 months. The bill sets a cap and annual cost-of-living increases for the amount of educational assistance that may be paid to an individual under this bill during FY2024 and the following years.

Time of Service Act This bill adjusts the time limitation on the use of a veteran's educational assistance entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Specifically, veterans' entitlements shall not expire for those who were discharged or released from active duty on or after January 1, 2001.

Maddy summaryHR 29, the Border Safety and Security Act of 2023, grants the Secretary of Homeland Security authority to restrict entry at U.S. land or maritime borders for certain immigrants deemed "covered aliens" (those inadmissible under immigration law due to lack of proper documentation). The bill requires the Secretary to suspend entry if they cannot detain or process these individuals as required by existing immigration law. It also allows state attorneys general to sue the Secretary in federal court if they believe border policies harm their state's residents. The law defines "operational control" using terms from the Secure Fence Act of 2006. This bill directly affects immigrants seeking entry who fall under the specified inadmissibility category.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 9 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that formally denounces socialism as incompatible with American values, citing historical examples of socialist regimes causing widespread suffering and authoritarian rule. It states Congress opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. This resolution has no legal effect, does not change any laws, and serves solely as a non-binding statement of congressional opinion. It directly affects no individuals or policies, as it is purely a declarative position.