Rep. Jake Auchincloss

Maddy summaryHR 5983, the Clean Water Act of 2023, redefines "protected water resources" under federal law to explicitly include all interstate and intrastate waters (such as intermittent and ephemeral streams), wetlands, and their tributaries. This directly affects federal agencies like the EPA, states managing water quality, and developers or landowners needing permits for activities near these waters. The bill eliminates the Supreme Court’s narrow "navigable waters" definition from Sackett v. EPA (2023), restoring protections for tens of millions of acres of wetlands and millions of miles of small streams. Key mechanisms require the EPA to annually review and adjust exclusions from protections based on scientific evidence, ensuring water bodies critical to drinking water, flood control, and ecosystems remain safeguarded.

Maddy summaryHRES 808 is a resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the October 23, 1983, terrorist attack on U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed 241 service members (220 Marines, 18 Navy sailors, and 3 Army soldiers) and injured over 100 others. The resolution honors the fallen troops, their families (Gold Star Families), and the military's service from 1982-1984 in Lebanon, while reiterating the House's commitment to opposing violent extremism and supporting the military. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effects but formally acknowledges this historical event.

Maddy summaryHRES 778 is a House resolution demanding Senator Tommy Tuberville end his hold on military promotions affecting personnel critical to U.S. support for Israel. It specifically references blocked nominations for key Middle East roles, including Admiral Lisa Franchetti (Chief of Naval Operations), General David Allvin (Chief of Staff, Air Force), and Rear Admiral George Wikoff (5th Fleet commander). The resolution states these delays hinder the U.S. military’s ability to provide security, intelligence, and humanitarian support to Israel and stranded American citizens following the October 7 Hamas attacks. It urges Tuberville to lift the holds to ensure readiness for ongoing operations in the region. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests action on pending military confirmations.

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.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR 6031) requires public elementary and secondary schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that specifically prohibit harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. It mandates schools to collect and publicly report annual data on bullying incidents while establishing clear grievance procedures for students and parents. The bill also requires states to submit biennial reports on school compliance and supports evidence-based interventions, such as restorative practices, to reduce exclusionary discipline. This legislation directly affects all public K-12 schools and students in the U.S., aiming to create safer learning environments through standardized policy requirements and data transparency.

Maddy summaryThe Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2023 requires federal agencies to simplify grant application and reporting processes, with a focus on improving access for underserved communities, rural areas, and historically excluded organizations like faith-based groups. Key mechanisms include designating senior agency officials for grants, creating a Grants Council to coordinate improvements, and mandating plain-language notices of funding opportunities under 500 words. Agencies must develop annual plans to streamline procedures, ensure language accessibility for limited-English speakers, and report progress to Congress. The bill directly affects federal agencies managing grants and their recipients, aiming to reduce administrative burdens while expanding equitable access to federal funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices to reimburse contractors for paying employees during government funding lapses (e.g., shutdowns). It covers costs for furloughed, laid-off, or reduced-hour workers, or for restoring paid leave used during the lapse, with a weekly cap of $1,442 per employee. Directly affecting federal contractors and their employees who experienced work disruptions due to funding gaps, it mandates agencies to make these adjustments promptly after enactment. Contractors must provide proof of costs, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy must report on implementation to Congress within a year.

This resolution requests the Department of State to transmit to Congress a statement on human rights practices in Azerbaijan, including the steps the United States has taken to promote human rights in the region and an assessment of whether circumstances exist that necessitate a continuation of security assistance for Azerbaijan.

Maddy summaryHR 5758 would reimburse federal employees, District of Columbia workers, and federal contractors for out-of-pocket costs (like loan payments or credit card fees) incurred during government shutdowns. It requires the Treasury to pay these costs as soon as possible after a shutdown ends, with applicants submitting documentation within one year. States that cover federal programs during shutdowns lasting 14 days or more would also receive reimbursement for those expenses. The bill establishes a Reserve Fund in the Treasury to cover future reimbursement costs.