Rep. Mike Quigley

Maddy summaryThe ARMAS Act of 2023 transfers regulatory control of certain firearm exports from the Department of Commerce to the Department of State. It designates Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, and other Caribbean nations as "covered countries" requiring special oversight for firearm exports. The bill requires the State Department to develop strategies to disrupt illegal firearm trafficking to these countries, implement tracking systems for firearms, and submit annual reports on exports. It establishes certification requirements for exports to covered countries, including detailed reporting to Congress about proposed exports. The law aims to improve tracking of firearms used in violence and reduce illegal trafficking that fuels crime and violence in the region.

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 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.

Maddy summaryHRES 881 is a symbolic House resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It honors the Act's role in preventing the extinction of species like the bald eagle and humpback whale, citing its success in protecting 99% of listed species. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or affect any specific group, as it serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of the Act's conservation achievements.

Maddy summaryHRES 886 is a non-binding House resolution supporting Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) by recognizing the epidemic of violence against transgender people and memorializing those lost in the year ending September 30, 2023. It specifically acknowledges the disproportionate impact of violence on transgender women of color, citing 33 documented deaths in the U.S. during that period (with estimates suggesting the actual number is higher due to underreporting). The resolution calls for Congress to prioritize studying and preventing such violence while affirming that all transgender people deserve dignity and respect. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to raise awareness and honor victims.

Maddy summaryThe Climate Displaced Persons Act establishes a new admission pathway for individuals displaced by climate-related environmental disasters, defining "climate-displaced persons" as those compelled to leave their homes due to climate events like floods, droughts, or sea level rise who cannot safely return or integrate locally. The bill sets a minimum annual admission goal of 100,000 climate-displaced persons to the United States beginning in fiscal year 2024, requires the government to collect and analyze data on climate displacement, and mandates the creation of a Global Climate Change Resilience Strategy to address climate impacts on vulnerable populations. It also requires training for U.S. diplomats and immigration officers on climate displacement and establishes procedures for applications, including exemptions for unaccompanied children and cases of changed circumstances. The legislation aims to provide a structured humanitarian response to climate-driven displacement while acknowledging the U.S. historical responsibility for climate change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 872) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to transatlantic cooperation in combating antisemitism across Europe. It calls on European governments and the European Union to implement national strategies against antisemitism, standardize data collection on incidents, share best practices, and include Holocaust education in school curricula. The resolution specifically urges European countries to address rising antisemitic incidents documented by reports from ADL and Tel Aviv University, which show widespread antisemitic attitudes in multiple European nations. It does not create new laws but emphasizes collaboration to protect Jewish communities and counter online hate. The resolution directly affects European governments and Jewish communities in Europe through its recommendations for policy action.

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 bill closes loopholes that allow domestic violence abusers to keep or buy firearms while under restraining orders. It requires courts to issue "firearm surrender orders" when domestic violence restraining orders are issued, mandating that abusers surrender all firearms within 24 hours. The law expands the definition of "intimate partner" to include dating partners and requires law enforcement to remove firearms if abusers don't comply. It also creates a federal grant program to help states implement these policies, directly affecting domestic violence survivors and abusers subject to restraining orders.

Maddy summaryHRES 861 is a non-binding resolution calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all detained Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and civilians. It demands Azerbaijan provide information on missing persons, allow independent monitoring of detainees' conditions, and comply with international law. The resolution also urges the U.S. President to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for abuses and suspend military aid under existing law. This resolution directly addresses Azerbaijan’s government, targeting its actions regarding Armenians detained since the 2020 conflict and the 2023 Artsakh offensive.