Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a prohibition that previously blocked federal housing assistance for college students. It creates a new waiver allowing housing authorities to provide tenant-based housing assistance to students in foster care or court-emancipated minors living in on-campus housing at eligible colleges. The assistance won't count as income for financial aid, work-study programs, or child support calculations, directly supporting vulnerable students facing housing costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 2365, Public Law 118-66) directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Parkinson’s Project. It requires HHS to create and update a coordinated national plan for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and researching Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy), while coordinating federal research and care efforts across agencies like the NIH, CDC, and VA. The law mandates annual progress assessments, an advisory council with patient advocates and diverse experts, and annual reports to Congress on federal Parkinson’s programs and recommendations for improvement. It affects federal agencies managing Parkinson’s-related programs and aims to improve care coordination and research efficiency for patients and caregivers, with the law sunsetting in 2035.

Maddy summaryHRES 1338 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for designating the month of July as "American Patriotism Month." It recognizes historical acts of patriotism, including the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776), military service after Pearl Harbor and 9/11, and the role of citizens in defending U.S. values. The resolution requests the President issue an annual proclamation for this designation but has no legal effect or direct impact on citizens or policies. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter government operations.

Maddy summaryHR 8902, the FAFSA Act of 2024, terminates federal student aid eligibility for individuals convicted of assault against police officers or specific riot-related offenses (including inciting, organizing, or participating in riots involving violence). It requires affected individuals to repay any grants received under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, converting those grants into unsubsidized loans that accrue interest from the grant award date. These converted loans are ineligible for any forgiveness, cancellation, or repayment assistance programs under federal law. The bill applies to aid received for programs of study ongoing at the time of the conviction.

Maddy summaryHR 8871, the Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act of 2024, requires the Attorney General to develop a scenario-based training curriculum focused on de-escalation, officer safety, crisis intervention, and community relations for law enforcement personnel. It authorizes grants to states, local governments, and tribal entities to implement this curriculum or a substantially similar program, with grantees reporting on training access and effectiveness. The bill mandates the curriculum include role-playing scenarios covering topics like use-of-force decisions and stress management, developed with input from law enforcement associations and community organizations. Funding will come from existing Department of Justice resources, with no new appropriations required.

Maddy summaryThe Conscience Protection Act of 2024 would strengthen protections for health care providers, facilities, and organizations that refuse to participate in or provide coverage for abortions, assisted suicide, or other procedures conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs. It creates a private right of action allowing individuals or entities to sue when their conscience rights are violated, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce existing conscience protections through the Office for Civil Rights. The bill prohibits discrimination against health care entities that decline to provide or facilitate these services, while ensuring these protections don't interfere with emergency care requirements under existing law. It also establishes clearer enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to terminate federal funding for non-compliance with conscience protections.

Maddy summaryThe CARE for Kids Act of 2024 expands automatic eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act. It directly affects children in specific caregiving situations - such as those with kinship caregivers (including grandparents), children receiving adoption or kinship guardianship payments, and children in Native American housing programs - by allowing schools to automatically enroll them without additional paperwork. Key provisions include adding new categories for direct certification (like children with Medicaid medical assistance tied to foster care or tribal programs) and extending eligibility when children transfer schools, provided they’re living with a relative who has legal custody or authority. The bill aims to reduce administrative barriers for vulnerable children to access school meals.

Maddy summaryHR 8804, the Family Reunification Act of 2024, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to mandate rapid DNA testing for unauthorized immigrants presenting as family units (at ports of entry or after apprehension). If DNA confirms an immediate family relationship (parent/child or legal guardian), the family may be detained together pending lab confirmation; if not, the family must be separated immediately, with any child classified as an "unaccompanied alien child" under existing law. The bill directly affects unauthorized immigrants claiming family relationships during border encounters. It establishes a mandatory DNA testing process to determine family unit status, replacing current practices with a standardized procedure for separation or detention as a unit.

Maddy summaryHR 8782 extends the deadline for using funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) to support homeless children and youth. It allows recipients of these funds - such as local governments, nonprofits, and service providers - to use the money for authorized purposes through September 30, 2025, instead of the original deadline. This change directly affects organizations currently managing ARP funds for homeless youth programs, giving them more time to spend the money without needing new appropriations. The bill does not create new funding or alter program requirements, only adjusts the timeline for existing funds. (Bill: HR 8782, Section 2001(b)(1) of ARP Act)

Maddy summaryHRES 1303 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 14, 2024, that condemns the Biden administration's suspension of pending approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. The resolution argues this action is politically motivated, citing studies showing economic benefits of LNG exports and noting that previous administrations conducted similar environmental reviews without halting permits. It calls for lifting the suspension to restore confidence in the energy sector, prioritize U.S. workers and communities, and align with the administration's stated goals of economic growth. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally expresses congressional disapproval of the administration's approach.