Rep. Jeff Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a federal crime to defraud veterans of their benefits, including benefits for dependents or survivors. It targets individuals who create schemes to steal or improperly obtain veterans' benefits, with penalties of up to five years in prison or fines. The law directly affects veterans, their families, and anyone seeking to exploit the benefits system. Key provisions define "veterans' benefits" broadly under federal law and establish criminal penalties for fraud attempts.

Maddy summaryHRES 150 is a ceremonial House resolution honoring the late civil rights leader John Robert Lewis (1940-2020). It formally recognizes his lifelong commitment to nonviolent activism, including his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, the 1965 Selma voting rights march ("Bloody Sunday"), and his 30+ years serving as a U.S. Representative from Georgia. The resolution specifically commends his "towering achievements in the nonviolent struggle for civil rights" and his dedication to building the "Beloved Community" through justice and equality. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact but serves as an official tribute to Lewis's legacy for the public and Congress.

Prohibiting Insider Trading Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress (or their spouses) from holding or trading certain investments (e.g., individual stocks and related financial instruments other than diversified investment funds, investments in the federal retirement savings plan, or U.S. Treasury securities). Generally, the prohibition applies seven days after the first day of a Member's initial term, though for current Members, it applies on the first day of the second session of the 118th Congress. Additionally, the prohibition does not apply to assets held in a qualified blind trust. Any profit stemming from a prohibited holding or transaction must be disgorged to the Treasury and may subject the Member to a civil fine. Additionally, a loss stemming from a prohibited holding or transaction may not be used as an income tax deduction. Each Member must submit an annual certification of compliance to the supervising ethics office. The office must publish each certification on a public website and periodically audit Members' compliance with the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates seven specific creeks in North Carolina with new names honoring individuals (Noah Styron Creek, Hunter Parks Creek, etc.), including their exact geographic coordinates. It updates all federal references in laws, maps, and documents to use these new names. The bill has no policy impact beyond renaming geographic features and affects no groups or programs. As a purely procedural naming resolution, it does not alter laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 139) celebrates the 75th anniversary of NASCAR, marking its founding on February 21, 1948. It commends NASCAR's contributions to the U.S. economy and society, highlighting its role as a global motorsports leader that hosts over 1,200 races annually, supports community initiatives (like donating $43 million to children via the NASCAR Foundation), and drives tourism and entertainment. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or entities. The House formally recognizes NASCAR's historical significance and ongoing impact through this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryHR 1088, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image, which will be presented by Congress and then permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This bill commemorates Chisholm's legacy and achievements without creating new laws or affecting any current policies.

Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act (HR 830) changes how health insurance plans calculate patient cost-sharing. It requires that payments made by third parties (like pharmacies, charities, or discount programs) toward medical costs count toward a patient's deductible, copay, or out-of-pocket limit. This directly affects insured individuals who receive financial assistance, discounts, or product vouchers for healthcare expenses. The law ensures these external payments reduce the patient's actual out-of-pocket costs more quickly, aligning with existing Affordable Care Act and Public Health Service Act requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.

Maddy summaryHR 800, the "DO NOT Call Act of 2023," amends the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 to increase penalties for intentional telemarketing violations. It adds criminal penalties of up to one year in prison or fines for willfully and knowingly making unwanted calls, with harsher penalties (up to three years) for severe offenses like sending over 100,000 calls in 24 hours, causing $5,000+ in damages, or committing calls to further a felony. The bill also raises civil penalties for providing false caller identification information from $10,000 to $20,000 per violation. This directly affects telemarketers, debt collectors, and businesses making unsolicited calls, increasing legal consequences for repeated or large-scale violations.

Maddy summaryHR 621, the PART Act, requires catalytic converters on vehicles to be stamped with a visible vehicle identification number (VIN) using special high-visibility paint to deter theft. It creates a federal grant program to help auto dealers, repair shops, and law enforcement implement this stamping at no cost to vehicle owners. The bill also mandates that sellers of catalytic converters retain buyer identification and vehicle details for two years, and adds new federal criminal penalties for stealing or trafficking in catalytic converters.