Rep. Richard McCormick

Maddy summaryThe Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 caps family-based immigrant visas for any single country at 15% (2% for dependent areas) of total visas annually, addressing longstanding visa backlogs for certain nations. It establishes new requirements for H-1B employers, including posting job openings on a Department of Labor website, meeting specific wage requirements (minimum $90,000 or prevailing wage), and preventing discrimination against workers. The bill also creates enhanced procedures for investigating H-1B violations, increases penalties for noncompliance, prohibits certain visas for nationals of "foreign adversary countries," and establishes a new pathway for employment-based immigrants to adjust their status with specific job requirements during the process.

Maddy summaryHR 6504, the Protect American Gun Exporters Act, blocks the Department of Commerce from implementing a pause on new export licenses for specific firearm exports (items under Commerce Control List numbers 0A501, 0A502, 0A504, and 0A505). The bill directly affects U.S. gun exporters by preventing the Commerce Secretary from enforcing the October 2023 pause or similar restrictions on these exports. Key provisions prohibit the Secretary from taking any action to carry out the pause unless it follows standard regulatory processes, including a required impact analysis and compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and Congressional Review Act. This bill does not create new export rules but stops the existing pause on certain firearm exports.

Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Hamas to immediately release all 199 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution condemns Hamas for the attack, the taking of hostages, and threats against hostages, while stating that holding hostages violates international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. It demands the immediate release of all hostages and expresses sympathy for victims and their families. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create legal obligations but formally expresses the House's position.

Maddy summaryHRES 683 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's support for diplomatic efforts to encourage Mexico to fulfill annual water delivery commitments under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico treaty. The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (over a 5-year cycle) to the U.S., but Mexico has historically delayed deliveries until the cycle ends. The resolution specifically acknowledges water shortages faced by South Texas farmers and urges Mexico to meet its annual obligations, while supporting negotiations for more reliable water agreements. It does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages diplomatic action to address the delivery delays.

Maddy summaryHRES 848 is a symbolic House resolution (not a bill) urging Americans to connect with active-duty service members and veterans to support their transition from military service. It encourages individuals to reach out directly - through conversation and referrals - to help those dealing with mental health challenges, invisible wounds like traumatic brain injury, or isolation. The resolution cites rising suicide rates among active duty personnel (377 in 2020) and veterans (6,261 in 2019) as context for its call to action. It does not create new programs or funding but formally encourages personal engagement to promote access to existing support systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance plans and federal health programs from requiring prior approvals, step therapy (like forcing patients to try cheaper treatments first), or medical necessity reviews for covered services. It directly affects patients receiving health insurance coverage (both private plans and federal programs like Medicare) and their doctors, who will no longer face these administrative barriers for treatments already covered. The law applies to all group and individual health insurance plans starting January 1, 2024, and extends to federal health programs by the same date. It removes specific hurdles that previously delayed or denied care, though it does not change which services are covered.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 859) is a ceremonial House measure honoring U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2023. It formally recognizes veterans' service and sacrifice, calling on the American public to observe Veterans Day to acknowledge their role in protecting U.S. freedoms. The resolution does not create new policies, allocate funds, or affect specific groups - it is purely symbolic. It was introduced by 33 bipartisan House members and passed by the House without committee action.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Combat Duty Pay Act of 1952 to extend combat pay eligibility for Korean War veterans who were POWs or missing-in-action (MIA). It changes the payment period from "not more than three months" to "for each month" they were held captive or missing. The law specifically applies to living veterans who previously received combat pay under the old rules, requiring the Secretary of Defense to adjust the amount using inflation. This results in retroactive payments for the full duration of their captivity, not just a three-month limit.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 845) formally censures Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) for specific statements she made regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The resolution cites her October 8 comments falsely linking U.S. aid to the attack, her October 18 defense of a false claim about an Israeli hospital bombing, and her November 3 social media post featuring the phrase "from the river to the sea," which the resolution characterizes as a call for Israel's destruction. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact new policy but serves as a formal House condemnation of her conduct. The censure is directed solely at her statements, not at any legislative action or policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize the U.S. government to confiscate Russian sovereign assets held in U.S. jurisdiction and use those funds to support Ukraine's reconstruction and humanitarian needs following Russia's invasion. It prohibits releasing these blocked assets until Russia fully compensates Ukraine or agrees to an international compensation mechanism. The bill establishes a "Ukraine Support Fund" to hold confiscated assets and requires regular congressional reporting on how these funds are allocated for Ukraine's recovery. It also includes provisions for international coordination with allies on sanctions and asset management related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.