Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

Maddy summaryThe CREATE AI Act of 2023 establishes a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to improve access to AI research tools, computational resources, data, and educational materials for researchers and students across the United States. The NAIRR will provide computational resources, curated datasets, educational tools, and access to AI testbeds, with special emphasis on supporting groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Governed by a Steering Subcommittee chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and managed by a Program Management Office within the National Science Foundation, the NAIRR includes specific requirements for ethical AI development, privacy protections, and security measures. The resource will be accessible to researchers at U.S. institutions of higher education, nonprofits, government agencies, and certain businesses, with priority given to projects addressing privacy, ethics, civil rights, and AI safety.

Maddy summaryThe BIOSECURE Act prohibits U.S. federal agencies from contracting for or using biotechnology equipment and services from designated "biotechnology companies of concern," such as BGI, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi AppTec, and WuXi Biologics, and bans federal funds for these purposes. It requires the Office of Management and Budget to create and update a list of these companies based on national security risks, with implementation phased in over 60-180 days after regulations are issued. Exceptions include intelligence activities, overseas health care for U.S. personnel, and publicly available multiomic data, while limited waivers for national security or overseas health care are permitted with congressional notification. The law does not require new funding and mandates annual reviews of the designated companies.

Maddy summaryHR 7159, the Pacific Partnership Act, mandates the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive strategy for engagement with Pacific Island nations. It requires the President, by January 1, 2026, and every four years thereafter, to submit a detailed strategy to Congress outlining U.S. diplomatic, defense, and economic goals in the region, including assessments of threats like natural disasters, illegal fishing, and foreign military activity. The strategy must detail plans to address these threats, coordinate with Pacific Island governments and regional organizations like the Pacific Islands Forum, and outline required resources and staffing. This bill directly affects U.S. foreign policy operations and shapes how the federal government engages with Pacific Island nations on shared security, economic, and environmental priorities.

Maddy summaryHR 2864, the Countering CCP Drones Act, adds DJI Technologies (Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited) and its equipment/services to the list of prohibited communications products under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. The bill directly affects U.S. federal agencies and entities receiving federal funds by prohibiting them from using DJI's telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services. Its key mechanism requires federal agencies to remove DJI equipment from their networks and bans future procurement or use of such equipment. This policy change aims to address security concerns related to Chinese-owned drone technology in U.S. communications infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThe Stand with Ukraine Act of 2024 establishes a framework for sustained U.S. security assistance to Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion. It endorses a 10-year bilateral security agreement and directs the U.S. government to provide military equipment, training, and security assistance to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression. Key provisions include treating Ukraine as a major non-NATO ally for defense transfers, fast-tracking military sales through the Foreign Military Sales program, and creating mechanisms to prioritize defense article transfers. The bill also includes specific support for Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction, and demining efforts following the conflict. This legislation directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation, military assistance programs, and Ukraine's ability to build a credible defense against Russian threats.

Maddy summaryHRES 1422 is a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act (enacted in 1964), which established the National Wilderness Preservation System. The resolution commends advocates for the Act, acknowledges wilderness areas' role in protecting over 112 million acres of public lands, and highlights their benefits for recreation, clean water, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. It specifically emphasizes the importance of including Tribal governments in wilderness designation and management. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any group.

Maddy summaryHR 3507, the "Yes In My Backyard Act," requires local governments receiving certain federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to report on their progress toward adopting specific housing-friendly land use policies. It directly affects cities and counties that administer CDBG funds by mandating they submit plans tracking 22+ policy changes, such as allowing duplexes in single-family zones, reducing parking requirements, or streamlining permits. The bill does not require local governments to adopt these policies but requires them to document their current status and plans for implementation. This reporting mechanism aims to identify barriers to affordable housing without binding local governments to specific actions. The requirement applies to CDBG recipients starting one year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 7015, the CAREERS Act, expands federal funding for workforce training programs to better serve rural communities. It modifies eligibility to include career and technical education schools and requires training programs to align with specific rural industry sectors like broadband, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and water services. The bill mandates grantees to report on employment outcomes for participants and addresses rural workforce challenges such as worker displacement and youth migration. This directly affects rural workforce development boards, training providers, and workers in designated rural industries seeking job skills and career pathways.

Maddy summaryThe Safer Skies Act of 2024 requires certain smaller airlines to adopt the federal security screening program currently used by larger carriers. Specifically, it mandates that airlines operating passenger planes with more than 9 seats (that do not use TSA checkpoints, offer individual seats in advance with public schedules) must comply with the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program within 360 days of enactment. The Transportation Security Administration must revise its rules to enforce this new requirement. This directly affects regional carriers that currently skip standard airport security screenings but serve passengers under these specific operational conditions. The bill extends existing security standards to cover these previously exempt airlines without creating new security protocols.

Maddy summaryThe NO BAN Act (HR 9244) prohibits U.S. immigration authorities from denying visas or entry based on national origin, religion, or sex. It amends immigration law to explicitly ban such discrimination in visa decisions and tightens restrictions on the president’s power to suspend entry of certain groups under Section 212(f). The bill requires specific evidence, narrow tailoring, time limits, and congressional notification for any entry restriction, while mandating public reports on visa denials and waivers. It directly affects nonimmigrant visa applicants (e.g., students, workers) and federal agencies administering immigration policy.