Rep. Kelly Armstrong

Clean Slate Act of 2023 This bill establishes a framework for sealing records related to certain federal criminal offenses. Courts must automatically seal records related to (1) a conviction for simple possession of a controlled substance or for any nonviolent offense involving marijuana, or (2) an arrest for an offense that does not result in a conviction. Additionally, an individual who meets certain criteria may petition to seal records related to a conviction for other nonviolent offenses.

Fresh Start Act of 2023 This bill allows grants under the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) to be used to implement a state law that provides for the automatic expungement or sealing of certain criminal records. The NCHIP provides grants to state and tribal governments to enhance the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information and ensure the implementation of effective background check systems.

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor final rule entitled Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States and published on February 28, 2023. This rule makes changes to the methodology used to set adverse effect wage rates for H-2A workers (temporary agricultural workers), including by using Bureau of Labor Statistics wage surveys in certain instances. (Generally, the minimum wage for an H-2A worker is the highest of the adverse effect wage rate, the applicable minimum wage, the prevailing wage for that occupation in that area, or any agreed-upon collective bargaining wage.)

Maddy summaryHRES 90 is a resolution demanding the Chinese government immediately release Mark Swidan, a U.S. citizen from Texas who has been detained since 2012 on drug trafficking charges. The resolution cites the UN Human Rights Council Working Group finding his detention arbitrary, with no evidence of drug offenses, passport records showing he wasn’t in China during the alleged crimes, and China denying his family contact and medical care. It specifically condemns China for blocking U.S. diplomatic access and calls on the U.S. government to prioritize Swidan’s release through diplomatic channels. The resolution focuses on the case’s documented legal and humanitarian issues, not broader policy implications.

Partner with Korea Act This bill creates an E-4 treaty trader visa category for up to 15,000 nationals of South Korea each fiscal year who are coming to the United States solely to perform specialty occupation services, subject to various requirements. The 15,000 limit shall only apply to principal recipients of such visas and not their accompanying spouses or children. (A specialty occupation is one that requires the theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher.)

Maddy summaryHR 2800, the Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds for his actions during World War II. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike a gold medal commemorating Edmonds' bravery, specifically his defiance of Nazi orders to separate Jewish-American prisoners at Stalag IX-A, which saved approximately 200 lives. The medal will be presented to Edmonds' son, Pastor Christopher Waring Edmonds, or his next of kin, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. This is a commemorative measure recognizing Edmonds' service, not a policy change affecting current legislation or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes $150 million annually in federal funding for diabetes prevention and treatment programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities, extending the existing program through fiscal year 2028. It directly affects tribal health programs and Native American communities by ensuring continued access to critical diabetes care services. The key provision adds a new funding allocation of $150 million per year for 2024-2028 to the Public Health Service Act, with funds remaining available until fully spent. This maintains current program levels without altering eligibility or service requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the CDC to collect and publicly share information about concussions and brain injuries affecting public safety officers (including police, firefighters, and emergency responders). It directs the CDC to update its website with this information and develop targeted resources for medical professionals, employers, mental health providers, and families. The CDC must also consult with these groups to ensure the information meets their needs and support the creation of model treatment guidelines through grants. The law aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for brain injuries in this workforce.

Maddy summaryHJRES 27 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a federal rule that redefined which waterways fall under the Clean Water Act's protections. It targets a rule submitted by the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 18, 2023, which aimed to revise the "Waters of the United States" definition. The resolution would formally disapprove this rule under a specific federal procedure (Chapter 8 of Title 5), preventing it from taking effect. This would directly affect how federal agencies regulate pollution and development near water bodies, including wetlands and smaller streams.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals during the 30 days preceding their release from public institutions. It directly affects people transitioning from prisons or jails back into communities by extending health coverage during this critical period. The key mechanism amends the Social Security Act to remove a Medicaid exclusion for this 30-day window. Additionally, it requires an 18-month report analyzing correctional healthcare standards, current discharge practices, and the potential impact of this coverage extension on post-release health access.