Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryHR 6406, the "Last Servicemember Standing Medal Act," creates a new military service medal to honor specific service members. It authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award the medal to active-duty members who were the last surviving member of their unit after combat during a war or overseas operation, demonstrated extraordinary heroism in defense of the U.S., and received recommendations from their commanding officer and at least two peers. The medal is limited to one award per person, and if a recipient dies, the medal may be issued to their next-of-kin. The bill amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code to establish this recognition, with implementation to be expedited by Congress.

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.

Maddy summaryThe Fair Warning Act of 2023 amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act to require employers with 50+ employees or $2 million+ annual payroll to provide 90 days' written notice before site closings or mass layoffs. The bill specifies that employers must notify affected employees, state dislocated worker units, local governments, and the Department of Labor, including details about the number of affected employees, reason for the layoff, recall date, and available benefits. Exceptions to the 90-day notice period include natural disasters, terrorist attacks, public health emergencies, and potential new business or financing. Employers who fail to provide required notice may face penalties, including back pay for affected employees. The bill also establishes a public database of layoff notices maintained by the Department of Labor for transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 6282, the Humane Accountability Act, requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment. The report must detail specific incidents in immigration detention, including assaults requiring medical care, sexual assaults with investigation findings, detainee deaths, and complaints about abuse, neglect, or lack of legal access. Following this report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must then provide Congress with recommendations to address these issues within 90 days. The bill focuses on increasing transparency and accountability in immigration detention facilities, directly affecting CBP, ICE, and ORR custody operations.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryHR 6152, the Adopt GREET Act, requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt and use the GREET model - a scientific tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory - for calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of transportation fuels. The bill mandates the EPA update this methodology every five years, starting 90 days after enactment, and specifically requires the first update to use the GREET model. This directly affects the EPA in its regulatory work and fuel pathway developers seeking approval for new fuels under existing EPA rules. The law ensures EPA analyses of fuel emissions align with the most current scientific model, with reporting requirements if updates are delayed.

Maddy summaryHR 6076 establishes a $600 million program to fund energy efficiency improvements for small- and medium-sized manufacturers (defined as businesses with 750 or fewer employees in manufacturing sectors 31-33). Qualified entities like state energy offices, tribes, or nonprofits receive grants to provide subgrants directly to these manufacturers for projects that reduce electricity or natural gas use. The bill requires all iron and steel products used in funded projects to be "produced in the United States" (with limited waivers for cost or availability issues), and mandates labor compliance checks for contractors. It also requires manufacturers to develop energy management plans and share data on energy savings with program managers.

Maddy summaryHR 5976, the Youth Mental Health Research Act, establishes a new NIH research initiative led by the National Institute of Mental Health. The bill directs collaboration between three NIH institutes to coordinate research on youth mental health, focusing specifically on building community resilience for at-risk youth and improving how mental health services reach young people in schools, communities, and other settings where they live and work. It authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to fund this research. The bill does not create direct services but aims to generate evidence to inform future mental health support strategies for young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill excludes veterans' disability and dependency payments from income calculations for HUD housing assistance programs. It directly affects veterans and their families receiving disability compensation under Title 38, U.S. Code, by ensuring these benefits don't reduce their eligibility or housing assistance amounts. Specifically, it prevents HUD from counting these payments when determining eligibility, benefit amounts, or rent calculations for assisted housing. The policy change applies solely to HUD-administered housing programs, not other federal benefits.

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.