Rep. Ed Case

Maddy summaryThis bill requires national parks to reduce disposable plastic products, primarily targeting plastic water bottles and food containers sold to visitors. Park directors must eliminate these sales where feasible after considering factors like operational costs, waste reduction, infrastructure for refill stations, and impacts on park vendors. Each park must also implement visitor education about water availability and report biennially on progress, including visitor satisfaction and safety metrics. The law directly affects all national park units, concessionaire businesses, and park visitors. It mandates a phased, practical approach without banning all plastics immediately.

Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2023 would increase transparency in political spending by requiring organizations making campaign-related disbursements over $10,000 to disclose the names and addresses of their major donors, including the top five funders for political communications. It would close loopholes allowing foreign nationals to secretly fund election activities through corporations or other entities by expanding the definition of prohibited foreign contributions. The bill would mandate "stand by every ad" disclosure requirements for political communications across all media, including audio, video, and internet ads, requiring clear identification of funders. It would also require reporting of disbursements related to Federal judicial nominations, which currently aren't subject to disclosure requirements. These provisions would apply to corporations, labor organizations, and certain nonprofits that engage in political activity.

Aircraft Noise Reduction Act This bill allows a general aviation airport to make reasonable adjustments to air traffic and training patterns of noncommercial charter flights for the purposes of implementing aircraft noise limitations. A general aviation airport is a public-use airport that does not have scheduled service or that has scheduled service with less than 2,500 passenger boardings per year.  Specifically, upon the request of a general aviation airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must consult with the airport and provide for reasonable adjustments to air traffic and training patterns that do not otherwise violate law. No federal funds may be withheld from, withdrawn from, or denied to a general aviation airport based solely on an activity carried out under this bill.  In the case of an emergency, the FAA may reject or temporarily restrict an accommodation to a general aviation airport to implement aircraft noise limitations. Further, the Department of Transportation must update current regulations, as necessary, to allow general aviation airports to implement effective noise abatement measures, as determined appropriate by general aviation airport owners and operators.

Maddy summaryThe Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act requires the State Department to create a public website listing resources (like legal and medical assistance) for U.S. citizens detained or kidnapped overseas and their families. It mandates training for all overseas Foreign Service officers on identifying arbitrary detention cases, connecting families to aid, and coordinating with the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Each diplomatic post must designate a "hostage affairs officer" to track cases, ensure monthly embassy meetings for detained citizens, provide legal/medical support, and manage a trust account for their needs. The bill also requires the State Department to report to Congress within 180 days on training completion, designated officers, and detention case numbers by country. This directly affects U.S. citizens held abroad and their families by standardizing and improving the government's response.

Maddy summaryHR 3948, the Care for COFA Veterans Act, expands access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care for veterans residing in the Freely Associated States (FAS) - Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. It authorizes the VA to provide hospital care and medical services (including for non-service-connected disabilities) directly, through contracts, or via reimbursement within the FAS, and covers travel expenses for veterans traveling to the FAS for treatment. The bill requires the VA to address legal barriers like healthcare provider licensing and pharmaceutical deliveries, conduct outreach with FAS governments, and submit a report within one year detailing implementation plans and resource needs. This bill directly affects veterans in the FAS who previously faced significant challenges accessing VA care due to geographic and administrative barriers.

Maddy summaryHR 4422 (Global Respect Act) requires the President to publicly identify foreign officials responsible for violence, torture, or arbitrary detention against LGBTQI individuals and block their entry to the U.S., including revoking visas for them and their immediate families. It mandates annual reporting to Congress on the list of sanctioned individuals, the reasons for additions/removals, and efforts to coordinate with other countries on similar sanctions. The bill also updates U.S. human rights reporting requirements to explicitly include data on violence and discrimination against LGBTQI people worldwide. These measures aim to increase accountability for human rights violations against LGBTQI individuals without advocating for specific policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 4340, the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2023, prohibits paid providers from offering conversion therapy - defined as any commercial service attempting to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity - and bans advertising that claims such therapy is effective or harmless. It directly affects therapists, counselors, or organizations offering paid conversion therapy services, including those advertising such services. Key provisions make it unlawful to provide, advertise, or facilitate paid conversion therapy, with enforcement led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under consumer protection laws and allowing states to pursue civil actions. The bill explicitly excludes supportive care for gender transition or identity exploration from its definition of prohibited therapy.

This resolution expresses support for (1) equal rights and protections for all people, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics; and (2) the designation of LGBTQI+ Equality Day to commemorate Supreme Court decisions handed down on June 26 in 2003, 2013, and 2015. The resolution also acknowledges the need for further legislation to ensure that people in the United States are free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives (1) demonstrates solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, (2) recognizes the importance of the Islamic faith, and (3) wishes Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world who observe Eid al-Adha a prosperous holiday.

Maddy summaryHR 4390, the Housing Navigators Act of 2023, provides $50 million annually (2024-2029) to fund community-based organizations, local governments, or nonprofits to serve as housing navigators. These navigators will directly assist low-income individuals and communities by offering in-person and online education, distributing eligibility information, and helping people enroll in local, state, and federal housing assistance programs. Key provisions require navigators to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure information is fair and accurate. The bill establishes federal standards for navigator qualifications and program information to improve access to housing resources.