Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

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.

Maddy summaryHR 5983, the Clean Water Act of 2023, redefines "protected water resources" under federal law to explicitly include all interstate and intrastate waters (such as intermittent and ephemeral streams), wetlands, and their tributaries. This directly affects federal agencies like the EPA, states managing water quality, and developers or landowners needing permits for activities near these waters. The bill eliminates the Supreme Court’s narrow "navigable waters" definition from Sackett v. EPA (2023), restoring protections for tens of millions of acres of wetlands and millions of miles of small streams. Key mechanisms require the EPA to annually review and adjust exclusions from protections based on scientific evidence, ensuring water bodies critical to drinking water, flood control, and ecosystems remain safeguarded.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a one-time $40,000 payment to former Air America employees who served at least five years during 1950-1976, or to their survivors (widows/widowers, dependents, or children). Additional $8,000 payments are provided for each full year of service beyond five years. The total funding is capped at $60 million, with claims due within two years of regulations being finalized. It does not create ongoing benefits or change Air America’s legal status, and payments are issued as a single lump sum.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR 6031) requires public elementary and secondary schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that specifically prohibit harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. It mandates schools to collect and publicly report annual data on bullying incidents while establishing clear grievance procedures for students and parents. The bill also requires states to submit biennial reports on school compliance and supports evidence-based interventions, such as restorative practices, to reduce exclusionary discipline. This legislation directly affects all public K-12 schools and students in the U.S., aiming to create safer learning environments through standardized policy requirements and data transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 2577 establishes the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act, requiring all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement components - including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, TSA, and others - to implement new mental health programs. The law creates a central "Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program" under the Chief Medical Officer to coordinate suicide prevention, reduce stigma, and provide confidential support, including peer-to-peer networks, annual training for officers, and resources for families. Key mechanisms include mandatory annual confidential surveys of personnel, data collection on suicides (while protecting privacy), and requiring DHS components to improve mental health programs by removing barriers to seeking help and ensuring no adverse actions for officers who access counseling. The bill mandates annual congressional briefings on implementation through 2027.

Maddy summaryHRES 751 is a non-binding resolution designating October 1, 2023, as "National Animal Rescue Day" to raise public awareness about animal adoption and spaying/neutering. It directly supports animal shelters, rescue organizations, and the public by encouraging adoption events, educational activities, and charitable support on that date. The resolution aims to reduce shelter overcrowding and euthanasia rates by promoting adoption and responsible pet ownership through nationwide observance. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses congressional support for existing animal rescue efforts.

Maddy summarySammy's Law of 2023 requires large social media platforms (defined as those with over 100 million monthly users or $1 billion in annual revenue) to create and maintain application programming interfaces that allow parents or legal guardians to delegate account management for children aged 13 or older to third-party safety software providers. These providers must register with the Federal Trade Commission, agree to use data solely for child safety, and follow strict rules about data disclosure. The law establishes a national standard that prevents states from creating their own requirements for this feature while including FTC enforcement mechanisms and data security provisions. The legislation aims to give parents more tools to monitor and protect children from specific online harms like cyberbullying, trafficking, and violence on major social media platforms.

Maddy summaryHR 5797, the Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2023, targets fraud in immigration services by imposing criminal penalties on individuals who falsely claim legal authority or defraud immigrants. It makes it a federal offense to execute schemes involving false promises about immigration services (up to 10 years in prison) or falsely represent oneself as an attorney (up to 15 years), requiring full reimbursement to victims. The bill mandates that immigration service providers (non-lawyers charging fees) identify themselves and disclose fees when assisting applicants, and allows immigrants to withdraw fraudulent applications without penalty. It also requires government agencies to create outreach programs educating immigrants on legitimate legal services and establish procedures for corrected filings.