Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires major social media platforms (with at least 25 million U.S. monthly users) to publicly post their terms of service regarding foreign terrorist organizations and designated terrorists, including how users can flag violations and what actions (like removal or banning) may be taken. Platforms must submit detailed quarterly reports to the Attorney General tracking flagged content, enforcement actions, and how content was reviewed or removed - disaggregated by content type, media, and reporting method. Non-compliance triggers daily civil penalties of up to $5 million per violation. The law expires five years after enactment.

This resolution condemns Hamas' use of human shields as a contravention of international humanitarian law and a violation of the rights and dignity of civilian noncombatants. The resolution also calls for Hamas to immediately cease using human shields, for the swift release of all hostages taken by Hamas, and for Hamas' unconditional surrender.

Maddy summaryHR 6415, the CARE for First Responders Act, creates targeted mental health support for first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 operators (previously excluded from many services). It establishes a 24/7 confidential mental health hotline integrated with the 988 Suicide Lifeline, funds mobile crisis teams for disaster response, and mandates specialized training to reduce stigma and improve access to culturally competent care. The bill requires the development of peer support programs and education for responders and their families on mental health coping strategies. It authorizes $5 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to states and organizations to implement these services, specifically addressing the higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide among first responders compared to the general population.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Combat Duty Pay Act of 1952 to extend combat pay eligibility for Korean War veterans who were POWs or missing-in-action (MIA). It changes the payment period from "not more than three months" to "for each month" they were held captive or missing. The law specifically applies to living veterans who previously received combat pay under the old rules, requiring the Secretary of Defense to adjust the amount using inflation. This results in retroactive payments for the full duration of their captivity, not just a three-month limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the VA calculates benefits for veterans with health conditions linked to military sexual trauma. It requires the VA to start paying retroactive benefits from the day after a veteran's military discharge, rather than from the claim filing date. This directly affects veterans diagnosed with covered mental or physical health conditions resulting from military sexual trauma. The key provision amends VA law to mandate retroactive payments beginning at discharge, ensuring veterans receive compensation for the full period they were discharged until the claim is approved. It does not alter eligibility but changes the effective date for payment calculations.

Maddy summaryHR 5883, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act," increases death gratuity payments for federal employees who die while performing their duties. The bill establishes a $100,000 base payment (adjusted annually for inflation) to be paid to designated beneficiaries, spouses, children, or parents in a specific order of precedence. It also raises funeral expense payments from $800 to $8,800, with annual inflation adjustments, and ensures death gratuity payments are not taxable. The bill applies to various federal employees including those in the Foreign Service, Transportation Security Administration, and Veterans Health Administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a provision in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to extend the deadline for Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools to maintain current student-to-teacher ratios. Specifically, it changes the reference from the 2023-2024 academic year to the 2029-2030 academic year. The bill directly affects DoDEA schools, which serve military-connected students (children of active-duty military personnel). It does not change eligibility for military-connected students or create new programs; it only delays when schools must meet the existing staffing ratio requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize the U.S. government to confiscate Russian sovereign assets held in U.S. jurisdiction and use those funds to support Ukraine's reconstruction and humanitarian needs following Russia's invasion. It prohibits releasing these blocked assets until Russia fully compensates Ukraine or agrees to an international compensation mechanism. The bill establishes a "Ukraine Support Fund" to hold confiscated assets and requires regular congressional reporting on how these funds are allocated for Ukraine's recovery. It also includes provisions for international coordination with allies on sanctions and asset management related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.