Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all high schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to make a financial literacy course mandatory for graduation. It applies specifically to students in DoDEA high schools, beginning with those entering ninth grade one year after the bill's enactment. The law mandates that students complete this dedicated course before graduating, replacing any existing requirements for this subject. The course aims to teach practical money management skills to military-connected students as part of their high school curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases per diem payments for homeless veterans receiving VA services. It raises the daily payment rate from $115 to $200 for certain housing-related services, including emergency responses. The change directly affects homeless veterans who qualify for these VA-funded housing supports. The key provision adjusts the payment rate in Section 2012(a)(2)(B) of the U.S. Code to provide higher funding for services assisting homeless veterans.

Maddy summaryHR 4021, the Fair and Open Skies Act, amends U.S. aviation law to require that the Department of Transportation consider labor standards when reviewing international air transport agreements. Specifically, it adds "preventing the undermining of labor standards" as a mandatory factor in the public interest test for approving such agreements under 49 U.S.C. § 40101. This change directly affects international airlines seeking to operate flights to or from the U.S. and the DOT, which must now evaluate whether proposed agreements could weaken U.S. labor protections. The bill updates existing provisions by replacing outdated language about "agreements with the United States Government" and explicitly including labor standards in the evaluation criteria.

Safe Skies Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to modify a specified DOT final rule relating to flight crew member duty and rest requirements. Specifically, DOT must modify the rule so that the requirements apply to all-cargo flight crew members to the same extent that they apply to flight crew members in passenger operations conducted by air carriers.

Maddy summaryThe Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 modifies the Internal Revenue Code to require health insurance plans to cover telehealth services without applying deductibles. It directly affects high deductible health plans (HDHPs) and their enrollees, ensuring telehealth visits aren’t counted toward annual deductibles. The key provision creates a "safe harbor" (Section 223(c)(2)(E)) so plans won’t lose HDHP status for excluding telehealth deductibles. This change applies immediately upon enactment and affects all plans offering telehealth services. It does not create new funding or services but adjusts tax code requirements for existing coverage.

Maddy summaryHRES 499 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for designating June 12, 2023, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day." It honors women veterans' service throughout U.S. military history, highlighting their current representation in the armed forces (17% active duty as of 2021) and their growing numbers in the veteran population. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes women veterans' contributions through a commemorative designation. This is a procedural resolution with no binding legal effect, solely serving to acknowledge their service.

Maddy summaryHR 4035, the Protecting Small Business Information Act of 2023, requires the Treasury Secretary to coordinate the effective dates of all rules under the Corporate Transparency Act. It mandates that all final rules related to beneficial ownership reporting must take effect on the same date, delaying implementation until the Secretary certifies to Congress that all rules are issued and will align on a single effective date. This directly affects small businesses required to report beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act. The bill’s key mechanism is creating a unified implementation timeline, preventing staggered rule deadlines that could complicate compliance for small entities. It does not change reporting requirements but ensures a synchronized rollout of the regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Venezuelans already living in the U.S. since before December 31, 2021, to apply for permanent residency. Eligible individuals must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least one year (with limited absences) and cannot have certain serious criminal convictions. It waives some immigration barriers that would normally block permanent status and provides work permits while applications are processed. Family members (spouses, children, or unmarried adult children) of eligible applicants would also qualify. The bill does not change overall visa numbers or create new immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to expand student grant programs. It authorizes schools receiving Title IV funds to use grants for hands-on learning with hydroponic, aquaponic, and other agricultural technology systems. The key provision adds specific grant activities, including exposing students to vertical farming systems (like aeroponic towers) and soil-less plant growth methods that connect to STEM education. The bill directly affects K-12 schools participating in federal grant programs by defining eligible agricultural systems for these learning opportunities.

Maddy summaryHRES 485 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating June 9 as "Batten Disease Awareness Day." It does not create new laws or policies, but formally recognizes Batten disease - a rare, fatal neurological disorder affecting children - as a condition requiring public awareness. The resolution describes Batten disease as a genetic condition causing progressive vision loss, seizures, motor skill decline, and early death, with no known cure. It directly affects families and advocacy groups for this rare disease by promoting public recognition on a specific date. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on healthcare, funding, or regulations.