Rep. Frank J. Mrvan

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) during fiscal year 2024. The ACP provides subsidies to low-income households to help cover the cost of internet service and connected devices like laptops or tablets. This funding ensures the program can continue supporting eligible households throughout the year, with the money remaining available until fully spent. The bill extends existing program funding without changing eligibility criteria or service requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 6724, the *Energizing American Shipbuilding Act of 2023*, requires natural gas and crude oil exporters to use US-registered vessels with specific domestic manufacturing components for a growing percentage of their vessel-based exports. For natural gas, exporters must use qualifying vessels for 2% of exports in year 1, rising to 15% by year 22; for crude oil, the target starts at 3% and reaches 10% by year 14. A qualifying vessel must be either built in the US with all major parts and specified components (like valves, propulsion systems, and electrical equipment) made domestically, or retrofitted in a US shipyard using US-made parts for those components. The bill also mandates exporters provide training opportunities for US mariners and requires the Energy Information Administration to track and publish export data.

Maddy summaryThe Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 increases the expenditure cap for home- and community-based care for veterans from 65% to 100% of costs, with exceptions for certain cases based on clinical need and geographic factors. It establishes new programs including Veteran-Directed Care, which allows veterans to select and manage their own in-home care services, and Home-Based Primary Care, which provides in-home health care overseen by VA providers. The bill requires improved coordination with existing programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and mandates a centralized website with information about available services. It specifically targets veterans who would otherwise require nursing home care or face increased risk of hospitalization, and includes provisions to address home health aide shortages through pilot programs.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 79 authorizes the use of the U.S. Capitol rotunda for the National Prayer Breakfast on February 1, 2024, including food and beverage service. The Architect of the Capitol will set conditions for physical preparations related to the event.

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 summaryThe Transparency for Student Veterans Act of 2023 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collect and publicly report detailed data about educational institutions serving veterans using VA benefits. It mandates the VA to publish specific metrics, including veteran re-enrollment rates, completion rates broken down by degree type (associate, bachelor’s, postbaccalaureate), certificate types, average program duration, and average post-graduation salaries. This information will be made available through a dedicated online database on the VA’s website. The bill directly affects student veterans and their families, providing them with transparent, comparable data to make informed decisions about educational institutions.

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 6201, the Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2023, creates the Iran Sanctions Enforcement Fund to cover costs related to seizing and forfeiting property from Iran or its designated proxies (like Hezbollah or the Revolutionary Guard Corps) that violate U.S. sanctions. The fund, initially $150 million, pays for investigative costs, property management, informant rewards, and equipment for federal, state, and local agencies involved in enforcement. It also establishes an Export Enforcement Coordination Center within Homeland Security to improve interagency cooperation on enforcing export controls targeting Iran. The bill requires annual reports on fund usage and mandates repayment of the initial $150 million by 2034, unless waived for national security reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 6097, authorizes $30 million annually (2023-2027) to fund grants for programs helping victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence who also need substance use treatment. It requires these programs to allow parents or guardians to stay with their children, stepchildren, or dependents throughout treatment - providing services like residential care, housing support, family counseling, and health care. Eligible recipients include states, nonprofits, health departments, and domestic violence organizations that demonstrate experience in violence prevention and substance use recovery. The bill also creates a National Capacity Building Center to train grantees and share best practices for keeping families together during treatment.

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.