Rep. A. Drew Ferguson IV

Maddy summaryHR 3667, the Social Security Child Protection Act of 2023, allows the Social Security Administration to reissue a child's Social Security number if it was compromised before the child turned 14. Specifically, it enables parents or guardians to request a new number by submitting verified evidence (under penalty of perjury) that the original card was stolen during delivery. The bill directly affects children under 14 whose SSN was issued under specific provisions and whose confidentiality was breached via stolen cards. The key mechanism requires the Commissioner to issue a new number and document the theft in the child's records upon verified request.

Maddy summaryThe Death Tax Repeal Act would eliminate the federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax for estates of people who die on or after the bill's enactment date, and for generation-skipping transfers made after that date. It would also establish a new $10 million lifetime gift tax exemption (adjusted annually for inflation) and replace the existing gift tax rate schedule with a revised structure. These changes would primarily affect high-net-worth individuals and their heirs, as the estate tax and gift tax typically apply to large estates or gifts exceeding the new exemption threshold. The bill's provisions would take effect on the date of enactment, with transitional rules for the year the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 82 is a symbolic resolution recognizing and supporting the New Heights Bid Committee's effort to secure the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup for a joint U.S.-Mexico bid. It directs Congress to encourage the President and federal agencies to assist the committee in meeting hosting requirements and to consider future legislation if the bid is successful. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally expresses congressional backing for the bid committee's work. It directly affects the New Heights Bid Committee by affirming congressional support for their efforts to host the tournament.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes permanent property rights in an individual's voice and likeness, granting people (and their heirs for up to 10 years after death) exclusive control over commercial uses of their digital depictions or voice replicas created via AI. It requires written consent from individuals (or court-approved agreements for minors) for any commercial use of their voice or likeness, with strict penalties: $50,000 per violation for unauthorized cloning services and $5,000 per violation for unauthorized depictions. The law balances these rights against First Amendment protections by requiring courts to weigh factors like whether the use is transformative or relevant to the work's purpose. It directly affects anyone whose voice or image is used commercially without consent, including celebrities, public figures, and ordinary individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer whole milk as an option during lunch. It amends the school lunch law to explicitly permit schools to serve flavored and unflavored whole milk alongside reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk choices for students. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust meal regulations to account for saturated fat from whole milk, ensuring it doesn't count against meal fat limits. This change directly affects participating schools and the students who receive school lunches, expanding their milk beverage options.

Maddy summaryHR 6734 prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rule (2022R-17) defining "engaged in the business as a dealer in firearms." This bill directly affects the ATF by blocking funding for this specific regulatory rule, which was proposed in August 2023. The legislation does not create new requirements but prevents federal resources from being used to advance this particular ATF regulation.

Maddy summaryHRES 910 is a commemorative resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States (1977-1981). The resolution expresses the House's mourning for her passing and recognizes her advocacy for mental health care, founding of The Carter Center, and work establishing support for family caregivers through the Rosalynn Carter Institute. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates her humanitarian contributions. This procedural resolution was introduced by Georgia representatives and passed unanimously on December 5, 2023.

Wings for Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program to award grants to up to 10 flight schools to provide flight training for eligible veterans. Under the bill, an  eligible veteran  includes an individual who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and who was honorably discharged, meets the requirements to obtain at least a second class medical certificate, and certifies an intent to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. Flight schools may use grants for (1) the provision of guidance and pilot training services (including tuition and flight training fees); (2) the provision of related books, training materials, and equipment; and (3) program administrative costs. DOT must submit a report to Congress on the program and related issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning November 13, 2023, as "National Apprenticeship Week" through symbolic congressional support. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the value of registered apprenticeships in providing paid on-the-job training, industry credentials, and career pathways. The resolution highlights apprenticeships' role in developing skilled workers, supporting high-wage sectors like healthcare and green energy, and promoting diversity in training opportunities. It aims to increase public awareness of apprenticeships as an effective "earn-and-learn" model for workers and employers.