Rep. Chris Pappas

Maddy summaryHR 5973, the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act (CIAO Act), requires the USDA to regularly review and update organic standards. It mandates that the Secretary publish a public request for input every 5 years (starting 180 days after enactment) on which regulations should be prioritized for revision. Based on this input and recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board, the USDA must propose specific changes, seek public comment, and finalize updates within 5 years. This process directly affects organic farmers, processors, and the USDA, ensuring organic standards evolve using the latest environmental, market, and scientific data.

Maddy summaryHR 3925 establishes a federal grant program to fund youth fishing projects in coastal and Great Lakes areas. The bill authorizes $2 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to eligible entities like nonprofits, schools, state/local governments, or Tribal organizations to cover equipment, transportation, licenses, and educational components for youth. Priority is given to projects serving underserved communities, defined as groups facing systemic barriers due to race, disability, poverty, or inequality. Recipients must report annually on grant usage and participant numbers to Congress.

Maddy summaryThe Transit Emergency Relief Act (HR 7012) amends federal transportation law to provide more flexible funding for public transit agencies facing emergencies. It allows funds designated for emergency relief (under 49 U.S.C. § 5324) to remain available until spent, be used for prior or current fiscal years, and not reduce existing funding. The bill also increases annual funding caps for transit programs and adds $50 million per year (2024-2027) specifically for this emergency relief program. Public transportation agencies receiving federal grants are directly affected, as the changes simplify access to funds during crises while requiring compliance with labor standards (49 U.S.C. § 5333). This creates more predictable support for transit systems recovering from unexpected disruptions.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) during fiscal year 2024. The ACP provides subsidies to low-income households to help cover the cost of internet service and connected devices like laptops or tablets. This funding ensures the program can continue supporting eligible households throughout the year, with the money remaining available until fully spent. The bill extends existing program funding without changing eligibility criteria or service requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 946 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing "Gold Shield Families" - defined as the families of fallen police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correction officers, emergency dispatchers, and emergency service providers who died in the line of duty. The resolution formally honors their sacrifices and resilience, affirming that their hardships should not be forgotten. It includes no new funding, regulations, or policy changes; instead, it serves as a commemorative gesture expressing national gratitude. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the President and made public to publicly recognize these families' contributions.

Maddy summaryThe PFAS Action Act of 2023 establishes federal regulations to address PFAS contamination across multiple environmental and health domains. It requires the EPA to designate specific PFAS (like PFOA and PFOS) as hazardous substances, set drinking water standards for PFAS, and mandate testing and reporting by manufacturers. The bill provides $500 million for community water systems to install PFAS treatment systems, $100 million for school water testing and filtration, and creates a website to help homeowners test well water. It also establishes labeling requirements for PFAS-free products and mandates better public communication about PFAS risks.

Maddy summaryThe TRANQ Research Act of 2023 requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to coordinate research on illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other concerning substances. The bill mandates NIST to develop faster detection methods, create data tools for identifying these substances, and consult with agencies like the DEA, CDC, and National Institute on Drug Abuse to establish safe handling practices. NIST must also form partnerships with universities, federal labs, and the private sector to improve detection capabilities. Within one year, NIST must report to Congress on its implementation, and the Comptroller General must conduct a study on federal capabilities to respond to new psychoactive substances, reporting within two years.

Maddy summaryThe 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2023 establishes a federal advisory committee to study how location information is transmitted for 988 calls. The committee, composed of representatives from telecom providers, mental health organizations, crisis centers, and government agencies, will examine privacy concerns, technical standards, and funding needs for improving location data accuracy during 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls. It must submit a report within one year to Congress and the FCC with recommendations for potential policy changes. This bill does not enact new requirements but directs a study to address challenges in connecting callers to local crisis services. The committee will terminate 30 days after submitting its report.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National School Lunch Act to require that the value of donated foods distributed to service institutions (like schools and community organizations) under the summer food service program equals the national average value of donated foods, as determined by existing rules. It directly affects schools and nonprofits that provide summer meals to children by standardizing how the value of donated food commodities is calculated. The key mechanism updates Section 13(h) to mandate this national average value, replacing previous methods. This ensures consistent funding for food assistance during summer months without changing program eligibility or structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies retirement savings rules to help caregivers who temporarily leave the workforce. It allows eligible individuals to make "catch-up" contributions to retirement accounts (like IRAs or 401(k)s) as if they were age 50, even if they're younger, based on how long they've been out of work providing care. Specifically, the age threshold is reduced by the number of years spent in "qualified unemployment periods" (defined as at least one year caring for dependents with no earned income, after age 18). To qualify, individuals must self-attest under penalty of perjury that they meet these conditions. The change applies to taxable years after the bill's enactment.