Rep. Zachary Nunn

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

This resolution expresses unwavering support for Israel and a readiness to consider urgent requests for additional assistance to Israel to defend its people and sovereignty. The resolution also states that (1) Israel is entitled to act in self-defense against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and associated forces, as well as their state sponsors; and (2) the cross-border attacks and kidnappings against Israel constitute acts of international terrorism and aggression.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryHR 6058, the Interagency Committee on Women’s Business Enterprise Act of 2023, amends an existing committee under the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 to better support women entrepreneurs. The bill requires the committee to actively monitor federal agency programs for barriers women business owners face in starting or growing their businesses and accessing federal contracts or assistance. It expands the committee’s membership to include agencies like NASA, the EPA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and updates appointment procedures for the committee chair. These changes aim to improve coordination across federal agencies to address systemic challenges for women-led businesses.

Maddy summaryHR 6041, the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023, expands federal support for services targeting youth aged 12-26 experiencing homelessness or running away from home. The bill establishes grants for short-term shelter (Basic Center Program), longer-term transitional housing (Transitional Living Program), and specialized services for youth at risk of or experiencing trafficking (Sexual Abuse and Trafficking Prevention Program). It requires grantees to provide trauma-informed, culturally appropriate services that address substance use, mental health, education needs, and connections to caring adults, with special attention to vulnerable populations including LGBTQ youth, youth of color, and those involved with child welfare or justice systems. The bill authorizes $200 million annually for these programs through fiscal year 2028, with specific funding allocations for different program components.

Maddy summaryThe PARTNERS Act of 2023 creates a federal grant program to expand registered apprenticeships and work-based learning programs for small and medium-sized businesses in in-demand industries. It directs states to award grants to local industry partnerships that help businesses establish these programs and provide support services for workers (including childcare, transportation, and career training) for at least 12 months. Funding comes from 50% of H-1B visa fees, with states required to track participation and outcomes by demographics like race, gender, and barriers to employment. The bill directly affects small businesses seeking to train workers and workers - particularly those from underrepresented groups or with employment barriers - through new structured training pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a one-time $40,000 payment to former Air America employees who served at least five years during 1950-1976, or to their survivors (widows/widowers, dependents, or children). Additional $8,000 payments are provided for each full year of service beyond five years. The total funding is capped at $60 million, with claims due within two years of regulations being finalized. It does not create ongoing benefits or change Air America’s legal status, and payments are issued as a single lump sum.

Maddy summaryHR 5950, the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act, establishes a new grant program under the National Science Foundation to upgrade research facilities and improve access to equipment for quantum information science. The bill directs the NSF to fund institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or consortia to accelerate quantum technology development by upgrading research resources, enhancing equipment sharing across institutions, and providing hands-on training for students, including at community colleges. Key provisions require grantees to address materials and supply chain needs while facilitating coordination and professional staff support for quantum research operations. This legislation directly affects research institutions and students by expanding access to critical quantum research infrastructure and training opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the release of Iranian assets blocked by the U.S. Treasury until the President certifies two conditions: (1) hostilities between Israel and Hamas/Iran-backed groups have ended, and (2) Israel has received full compensation for harms or Iran is participating in a verified international compensation mechanism. It requires the President to notify Congress 30 days before releasing any such asset and allows Congress to block the release via a joint resolution within 30 days. The bill also authorizes the President to confiscate Iranian assets held in the U.S., deposit the funds into a special account, and use those funds to procure defense articles/services for Israel. These provisions aim to leverage frozen Iranian assets to support Israel's defense needs while establishing specific procedural safeguards for asset management.

'Operation Swords of Iron' Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act This bill provides $2 billion in appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. The funds must be provided to address emergent requirements in support of Operation Swords of Iron.