Rep. Ed Case

Maddy summaryHR 2825, the Prison Libraries Act of 2023, establishes a federal grant program to fund library services in state and territorial correctional facilities. It directly affects incarcerated individuals by providing access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and staff support, with funds requiring states to submit detailed plans demonstrating need and measurable goals like improving literacy or job skills. Key provisions include funding for modern library infrastructure, hiring qualified librarians, and programming such as job training, digital literacy, restorative justice, and cultural activities - all while prohibiting use for food, general prison operations, or unrelated staff costs. The program authorizes $10 million annually for six years (2024-2029), prioritizing grants that align with library standards, prioritize post-secondary education, and show clear impact on reducing recidivism.

Partner with Korea Act This bill creates an E-4 treaty trader visa category for up to 15,000 nationals of South Korea each fiscal year who are coming to the United States solely to perform specialty occupation services, subject to various requirements. The 15,000 limit shall only apply to principal recipients of such visas and not their accompanying spouses or children. (A specialty occupation is one that requires the theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher.)

Maddy summaryHR 2823, the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2023, exempts certain family members of eligible Filipino veterans from U.S. immigrant visa caps. It allows children or spouses of veterans to obtain visas without being counted against annual limits, directly affecting families seeking to reunite with veterans who served in the U.S. military during WWII or under specific naturalization provisions. The bill amends immigration law to include veterans naturalized under the 1990 Immigration Act (Section 405) or the 1940 Act (as amended in 1942). This creates a direct pathway for reunification by removing a key barrier to family immigration for these veterans' relatives.

Maddy summary# Summary of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2023 This proposed legislation establishes a comprehensive framework to modernize and expand apprenticeship programs in the United States, creating a National Apprenticeship System designed to address current workforce needs and increase opportunities for underrepresented populations. ## Key Provisions ### System Framework - Establishes clear quality standards for apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and youth apprenticeship programs - Requires programs to meet specific criteria including: - Minimum 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning (with flexibility for some occupations) - Structured related instruction (minimum 144 hours per year for time-based programs) - Progressive wage scales - Safety training and equipment - Equal opportunity for participation ### Program Types - **Apprenticeship Programs**: Time-based, competency-based, or hybrid models for full-time workers - **Pre-apprenticeship Programs**: Designed to prepare individuals without meeting minimum qualifications for apprenticeship - **Youth Apprenticeship Programs**: For high school students, integrating academic and work-based learning ### Diversity & Inclusion Requirements - Requires programs to actively recruit and support nontraditional apprenticeship populations: - Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities - Long-term unemployed - Individuals impacted by the criminal or juvenile justice system - Foster and former foster youth - Individuals with barriers to employment ### Registration & Oversight - Requires formal registration of programs with a registration agency - Mandates annual performance data collection and reporting - Establishes procedures for program review, technical assistance, and deregistration ### Grant Program (Title II) - Authorizes $4 billion over five years ($400M-$800M annually) for competitive grants - Funds will support: - Creation and expansion of apprenticeship programs in high-demand sectors - Encouraging employer participation, particularly with small- and medium-sized businesses - Supporting intermediaries (national and local) - Strengthening educational alignment with secondary and postsecondary systems ### Evaluation Requirements - Mandates independent evaluations of grant programs - Requires collection of disaggregated data by program type and demographic factors - Focuses on measuring outcomes including: - Program completion rates - Employment rates in related fields - Wage growth - Increased participation of underrepresented groups ### Conforming Amendments - Repeals outdated sections of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to align with the new apprenticeship system This legislation represents a significant investment in workforce development, aiming to create a more inclusive, high-quality apprenticeship system that responds to 21st-century labor market needs while expanding opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.

Maddy summaryThe Young Americans Financial Literacy Act would create federal grants to fund centers of excellence that develop and deliver research-based financial education programs for young people aged 8-24. These programs would teach essential money management skills like budgeting, saving, debt management, and financial decision-making, with a focus on accessibility through digital and traditional methods. The bill authorizes $27.5 million to $55 million annually (through 2025) for these centers, prioritizing programs serving at-risk youth, families, and communities facing financial challenges. Centers must use evidence-based approaches, address unique needs (e.g., student loans, predatory lending), and report annually to Congress on their outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 1788, the "Goldie’s Act," strengthens USDA enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. It requires annual inspections of all regulated animal businesses (like dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors) and mandates immediate, humane confiscation of animals suffering due to violations, while prohibiting owners from destroying animals during this process. The bill increases civil penalties to $10,000 per violation, requires hearing panels including veterinarians, and mandates that penalties consider business size and violation severity. It also requires USDA to share violation records with local animal control within 24 hours.

This resolution recognizes the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and South Korea. Affirming the importance of the U.S.-South Korean alliance as the linchpin to safeguarding peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean peninsula, the resolution welcomes President Yoon Suk Yeol to the United States. It also supports ongoing defense and security ties, calls for continued promotion of human rights, and encourages close cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that (1) medication abortion is appropriately approved and regulated under federal law, and (2) federal law preempts any in-person dispensing requirements or telehealth restrictions with respect to medication abortion under state law.

Homeland and Cyber Threat Act or the HACT Act This bill allows claims in federal or state court against foreign states that conduct or participate in cyberattacks against U.S. nationals.

Maddy summaryHR 2725, the "Do No Harm Act," amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination or promote equal opportunity. It specifically exempts protections under the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, workplace benefits like leave, child labor safeguards, and healthcare access from RFRA challenges. The bill also clarifies that RFRA does not block private lawsuits between individuals, applying only to cases involving government entities. This amendment ensures that existing federal civil rights and workplace protections remain enforceable under RFRA.