Rep. Darren Soto

Maddy summaryThe American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 would create two pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrants. The "Dream Act" portion would provide conditional permanent resident status to individuals who entered the U.S. as children, have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and meet educational requirements (such as completing high school, earning a degree, or enrolling in education programs). The "American Promise Act" portion would provide permanent residency to individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of specific dates (January 1, 2017, or January 20, 2021). The bill includes provisions for background checks, fee exemptions for low-income applicants, and processes for removing conditional status after meeting specific criteria like completing higher education or earning income.

Maddy summaryHR 4140 authorizes the President to award the Purple Heart medal to Louis Boria, Jr., for combat injuries he sustained during World War II and the Korean War while serving in the Marine Corps. The bill specifically bypasses standard eligibility criteria outlined in Executive Order 11016 to recognize his service. This is a commemorative award for a veteran's wartime injuries, not a policy change affecting broader legislation.

Maddy summaryThe College for All Act of 2023 would create a federal-state partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students at public community colleges and 4-year institutions. It would provide federal funding to cover tuition costs for students from families earning up to $125,000 annually (or $250,000 for married couples) at public institutions, with states gradually increasing their financial contribution over time. The bill also includes provisions to support historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and expands Pell Grant eligibility to include Dreamers. States would be required to maintain funding levels for higher education and implement specific reforms to improve student outcomes, including transfer pathways and support services.

Maddy summaryHR 4086 directs the U.S. government to use its influence at the United Nations to extend the mandate of the UN Human Rights Council's independent fact-finding mission on Venezuela. The bill requires the Secretary of State to support efforts to continue this mission until Venezuela holds free elections, ends authoritarian rule, restores democracy, frees political prisoners, and allows humanitarian aid. It also directs the U.S. to urge the UN to condemn Venezuela's use of political prisoners, support humanitarian aid for vulnerable Venezuelans, and assist in releasing detained individuals. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress on these diplomatic actions. This legislation directly affects the UN mission's work and U.S. diplomatic engagement regarding Venezuela's human rights situation.

Maddy summaryHRES 500 is a non-binding House resolution commemorating the seventh anniversary of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. It honors the 49 victims killed in the attack, expresses condolences to their families, and acknowledges the community's response to the tragedy. The resolution also recognizes coordinated efforts by law enforcement and expresses ongoing support for those affected, while noting broader efforts like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to address gun violence. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Venezuelans already living in the U.S. since before December 31, 2021, to apply for permanent residency. Eligible individuals must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least one year (with limited absences) and cannot have certain serious criminal convictions. It waives some immigration barriers that would normally block permanent status and provides work permits while applications are processed. Family members (spouses, children, or unmarried adult children) of eligible applicants would also qualify. The bill does not change overall visa numbers or create new immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryHRES 486 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing June 8 as World Oceans Day. It affirms the U.S. duty to protect, conserve, and rebuild ocean resources, highlights ocean health as critical to climate, food security, and coastal economies, and cites specific threats like plastic pollution, ocean acidification, and climate impacts. The resolution commits the House to increasing federal investment in ocean science research and monitoring to address these challenges. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves to raise awareness and encourage coordinated action on ocean conservation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2023, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls" to honor victims and support families. It asks the public to commemorate affected individuals and demonstrates solidarity with impacted communities. The bill also recommends the Justice Department commission a new study to update statistics on violence against Indigenous women, referencing the 2016 DOJ study that found 84.3% experienced violence in their lifetime. This symbolic measure aims to raise awareness and encourage federal action, without changing laws or allocating new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies collecting demographic survey data to begin including questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics (intersex traits) within 360 days of enactment. Agencies must review existing surveys to identify gaps, develop privacy-protective methods for collecting this data (including anonymization and data destruction protocols), and incorporate it into relevant reports within three years. The law applies to all federal surveys that collect standard demographic data (like race, ethnicity, and age), such as the census or health surveys, but does not compel individuals to disclose their status. It emphasizes maintaining confidentiality, allows limited agency waivers if standards can't be met, and mandates a congressional report on implementation within two years.

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education Payment program, which supports education and training for medical residents and fellows in children's hospitals.