Rep. Byron Donalds

Maddy summaryHR 6170, the Border Security and Terrorism Prevention Act, requires the immediate halt to all immigration processing at the southern border for both legal entries and unlawful crossings. It mandates that migrants apprehended there be detained and removed without delay, with border operations resuming only after the Secretary of Homeland Security certifies no terrorists can enter via the southern border (within 15 days). The bill also requires a detailed report to Congress on border security gaps, counter-terrorism efforts, and a plan to screen all apprehended individuals against terrorist databases before release. This legislation directly affects migrants seeking entry at the southern border and shifts enforcement priorities toward immediate detention and database verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate its current biometric entry and exit system within 180 days of enactment. DHS must submit detailed reports to Congress on system costs, staffing, travel wait times, privacy impacts, and how the system affects legitimate travel, trade, and counterterrorism efforts - while excluding U.S. citizen data. The evaluation must assess existing infrastructure, training needs, private-sector partnerships, and compliance with procurement rules. This is an oversight measure focused on reviewing DHS’s current implementation, not creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 662, the Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023, amends the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to provide disaster loss assistance to eligible states and territories through block grants. This change permits states and territories to use the funds more flexibly for disaster recovery under the existing disaster relief framework, rather than requiring direct federal disbursement for specific losses. The bill directly affects states and territories experiencing disasters covered by the Disaster Relief Act. It modifies the current process by adding a specific provision enabling block grants as an option for distributing relief funds.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week, celebrates the millions of people in the United States—especially veterans and their spouses—who benefit from Small Business Administration programs, and expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the nation's veterans through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.

Maddy summaryThe Bring Americans Home Act prohibits the U.S. Department of State from requiring American citizens to pay for government-assisted evacuations or departures from crisis situations abroad. It directly affects U.S. citizens evacuated by the State Department or receiving government-arranged departure assistance during emergencies overseas. The bill's key provision explicitly bans the Secretary of State from charging these costs, overriding any existing laws that might impose such fees. This ensures citizens face no financial burden when the government arranges their safe return from dangerous locations.

Maddy summaryHR 6082, the Emergency Advance Payments Modernization Act, creates a 1-year pilot program to modernize advance payments for flood insurance claims under the National Flood Insurance Program. The bill directs FEMA to use remote sensing technology (like satellite data) to identify flooded properties and automatically send advance payments to eligible policyholders - without requiring on-site inspections - speeding up financial assistance for homeowners recovering from disasters. It also allows FEMA to forgive overpayments made through this process and requires a report to Congress on the program's impact on payment speed and administrative costs. This pilot directly affects flood insurance policyholders in disaster-affected areas by aiming to deliver faster, more efficient financial aid.

Maddy summaryThe Rape Kit Backlog Progress Act of 2023 requires states and local governments receiving federal crime-fighting grants to conduct comprehensive inventories of all sexual assault kits (both tested and untested) and report key details to the Attorney General. It mandates that jurisdictions document victim consent for testing, upload DNA results to the national CODIS database, establish electronic tracking systems for victims, and implement victim notification protocols. States must submit these reports annually to maintain eligibility for federal grants, with the Attorney General publishing a public annual report on backlog status and compliance. This law directly affects state/local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors handling sexual assault cases, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in processing evidence.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 71 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for Taiwan's full participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. It urges the U.S. President to formally invite Taiwan's leader to attend all future APEC leaders' events held in the U.S. on equal footing with other member states, including the November 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco. The resolution cites Taiwan as a major U.S. trading partner and a democratic ally, emphasizing that respectful engagement aligns with U.S. economic and security interests. As a sense-of-Congress resolution, it does not create new law but reflects congressional preference for U.S. policy toward APEC participation.

This resolution condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel and expresses sympathy and solidarity with the families of those held hostage or killed in those attacks.  The resolution also adjourns the House of Representatives in honor of those killed and unaccounted for.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 802) is a symbolic gesture designating October 23, 2023, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It does not create new laws or policies but aims to raise public awareness about the existing National Marine Sanctuary System. The resolution encourages Americans to visit and support these protected areas, which conserve marine biodiversity, support coastal economies, and offer recreational opportunities. It has no direct effect on individuals or communities, as it is purely a recognition effort.