Rep. Eric Sorensen

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 114 is a resolution proposing to expel Representative George Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives, citing constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, Clause 2. It directly targets Santos, who was a sitting member of the House at the time of introduction. The resolution follows the House's constitutional power to expel members for misconduct, though it does not specify the alleged violations. This procedural resolution was referred to the Committee on Ethics for review.

Maddy summaryHR 6451, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2023, provides $250 million in federal grants to states, tribes, and localities to hire mental health professionals as first responders for specific emergencies. It directs these professionals to replace police in situations involving mental health crises, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities - such as when a 911 caller describes a mental health emergency or a first responder identifies someone needing mental health support. The bill requires grantees to train responders in de-escalation techniques, link individuals to community-based services (not incarceration), and report on outcomes like reduced arrests or use of force. It also mandates data collection on demographics and prevents funneling people into institutional settings, with annual reports to Congress on program effectiveness.

Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, or recall elections.

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 6206, the All-American Flag Act, requires all U.S. federal agencies to purchase flags of the United States only if they are made entirely in the U.S. from domestically grown or manufactured materials. This policy directly affects federal agencies responsible for buying flags, such as those used for official ceremonies or displays. Exceptions allow purchases of foreign-made flags if U.S. flags aren't available in quality/quantity at market prices, for military commissaries, small purchases under a specific threshold, or if the President waives the rule for trade agreement compliance. The rule takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

National Museum of American LGBTQI+ History and Culture Act This bill establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of American LGBTQI+ History and Culture. The museum (1) may carry out educational and liaison programs in support of its goals, and (2) shall establish specified grant and scholarship programs.

Maddy summaryHR 6102 establishes a nonpartisan commission to study the feasibility of creating a National Museum of American LGBTQI+ History and Culture. The 8-member commission, appointed by congressional leaders, will assess costs, location options, governance, fundraising needs, and potential impacts on existing museums, with reports due within 18 months. Crucially, the bill prohibits federal funding for the commission’s work and requires a fundraising plan to support the museum’s future operation without relying on ongoing government appropriations. The commission’s findings will inform future legislative action but do not authorize the museum’s creation. This is a study-only measure, not a funding or construction bill.

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.