Rep. James P. McGovern

Maddy summaryHR 5907, the Stop Transnational Repression Act, creates a new federal crime for foreign governments or their agents to coerce, harass, threaten, or target U.S. persons (including activists, journalists, and dissidents) through physical or digital means, such as hacking, stalking, or intimidation, both within the U.S. and abroad. It establishes penalties of up to 10 years in prison for the offense, with enhanced penalties for violent acts or when committed under foreign government direction. The bill requires the Justice Department to centralize investigations and prosecutions of such cases and mandates annual reports to Congress detailing incidents, tactics used by foreign governments, and government efforts to disrupt transnational repression. This law directly affects U.S. citizens and residents targeted by foreign governments seeking to silence criticism or opposition.

Maddy summaryHR 5895 amends the Higher Education Act to allow historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to use existing grant funds for specific arts-related activities. The bill adds new provisions enabling HBCUs to provide financial assistance to arts students, establish arts outreach programs, offer wraparound student services (like mentorship and career advising), maintain Black art collections, and create paid arts internships through partnerships. This directly affects HBCUs by expanding how they can allocate current funding to strengthen their arts programs and support Black artists. The key mechanism is modifying Section 323 of the Higher Education Act to include these new uses, with optional partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Johanna's Law Reauthorization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and otherwise revises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national awareness campaign regarding gynecologic cancers. The CDC must target specified populations of women at higher risk for gynecologic cancers in the campaign. Additionally, the CDC may establish a grant program to evaluate different strategies to increase knowledge and awareness of gynecologic cancers among women and health care providers. In awarding these grants, the CDC must give preference to (1) grantees with expertise in gynecologic cancer education or treatment or expertise in working with groups of women at increased risk of such cancers; and (2) projects that will establish links between health care providers, hospitals, insurance companies, and state health departments.

Maddy summaryHRES 753 is a non-binding resolution commemorating the fifth anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder in 2018 and calling for accountability from the Saudi government. It urges Saudi Arabia to ensure accountability for those responsible for his killing, release wrongfully detained individuals (including human rights defenders), lift travel bans on dissidents, and respect freedoms of assembly, association, and press. The resolution acknowledges U.S. sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act targeting 17 Saudi officials linked to Khashoggi's murder. As a symbolic congressional statement, it does not impose new legal obligations but expresses support for accountability and human rights.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 68 is a symbolic resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for recognizing September 26, 2023, as "World Contraception Day." It states the House's "sense" that Congress and the Administration should work to improve universal, affordable access to contraception for all people who may become pregnant, both domestically and globally. The resolution calls for evidence-based policies to address disparities in access, expand comprehensive sex education, and support programs like Title X family planning services, without creating new laws or funding. It directly affects all individuals seeking reproductive health care, particularly those facing barriers due to race, income, location, or gender identity. The resolution does not mandate action but outlines policy priorities for future consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 5827, the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, grants tenants in federally assisted housing the right to form and join tenant organizations to address housing issues without fear of retaliation. It directly affects tenants receiving tenant-based rental assistance (like Section 8 vouchers) and tenants in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) properties. Key provisions require public housing agencies and property owners to recognize tenant organizations, allow protected activities (such as leafleting and door-to-door outreach), and prohibit retaliation - while establishing an enforcement protocol for complaints and quarterly reporting to Congress. The bill also mandates annual notifications to tenants about their organizing rights and includes specific protections for LIHTC properties through owner compliance requirements and fines for violations.

Maddy summaryHR 5855, the Jamal Khashoggi Protection of Activists and Press Freedom Act of 2023, creates new visa restrictions for foreign government officials who engage in activities to silence journalists, activists, or dissidents. It adds a specific inadmissibility ground under immigration law for individuals involved in "counter-dissident activities" (such as harassment, threats, or violence) and would deny visas to their immediate family members. The bill also amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to allow U.S. citizens to sue foreign governments in U.S. courts for personal injury or death caused by such activities. The Secretary of State must submit annual reports to Congress detailing these activities and any visa waivers granted.

Maddy summaryHR 5847, the International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023, establishes a U.S. government program to support global efforts keeping children with disabilities in families rather than residential institutions. The bill authorizes $2 million in 2024 (rising to $10 million annually by 2029) for grants to organizations led by people with disabilities and family members, prioritizing countries with large populations of children in institutions. Key mechanisms include funding local advocacy groups (requiring 75% of funds to go to disability organizations), building leadership capacity through training and study tours, and creating accessible online programs for policymakers. The program directly affects children with disabilities, their families, and disability rights organizations worldwide by promoting family inclusion and reducing institutionalization, with mandatory annual reports to Congress on implementation.

Maddy summaryHR 5833, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2023, restricts U.S. military sales to Saudi Arabia’s intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies for three years. It prohibits defense exports during 120-day periods unless the President certifies Saudi Arabia has not engaged in forced repatriation, intimidation, or killing of dissidents abroad, unjust imprisonment of U.S. residents, or torture. The bill also mandates reports on Saudi harassment of dissidents in the U.S., including whether Saudi diplomats used diplomatic facilities to monitor or harm Saudi nationals living in America, and requires an intelligence report on whether U.S. agencies fulfilled their duty to warn Jamal Khashoggi about threats before his 2018 murder. These provisions sunset after three years, with limited exceptions for defense against external threats or U.S. personnel security.

Maddy summaryThe Youth, Peace, and Security Act of 2023 requires the U.S. government to increase meaningful youth engagement in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts globally. The bill mandates the development of a U.S. Foreign Assistance Youth, Peace, and Security Action Plan within one year, focusing on inclusive participation of diverse youth aged 10-29, particularly marginalized groups including girls, LGBTQI+ youth, and youth with disabilities. It authorizes $5.5 million for grants to youth-led organizations working on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, community violence intervention, and post-conflict recovery. The legislation also establishes a USAID Youth Coordinator role to oversee implementation and requires U.S. foreign assistance programs to integrate youth participation in decision-making processes. The Act aims to address barriers to youth involvement in peace processes while ensuring safety, security, and equitable access to resources for young people in conflict-affected areas.