Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Maddy summaryHR 4024, the Clean Shipping Act of 2023, requires commercial vessels over 400 gross tons to gradually reduce the carbon intensity of their fuel. Starting in 2027, vessels must cut fuel carbon intensity by 20% compared to a 2024 baseline, increasing to 100% (zero emissions) by 2040. The bill mandates annual reporting of fuel carbon intensity and emissions for covered voyages (commercial trips between US ports or to foreign ports) and allows fleet averaging under common ownership. Vessels operating fewer than 30 days annually are exempt, and standards may be adjusted if technological or economic feasibility is challenged.

Maddy summaryHR 4184 repeals legal protections for gun manufacturers and sellers under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. It allows victims of gun violence to use gun trace data from the ATF's Firearms Trace System in civil court cases. This data, previously protected from discovery, can now be subpoenaed, admitted as evidence, and relied upon in lawsuits against gun sellers or manufacturers. The bill directly affects victims seeking legal recourse and gun industry defendants in civil litigation.

Maddy summaryHR 4166, the Support UNFPA Funding Act, authorizes annual U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) over five years. It directly supports UNFPA’s global programs serving women and girls in over 150 countries, particularly focusing on reducing preventable maternal deaths, expanding access to contraception, ending gender-based violence, and addressing harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. The bill specifically directs funding toward UNFPA’s core work in developing nations, humanitarian crises (such as in Ukraine and Yemen), and rebuilding health systems post-pandemic, without altering UNFPA’s existing operations or policies.

Maddy summaryThe American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 would create two pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrants. The "Dream Act" portion would provide conditional permanent resident status to individuals who entered the U.S. as children, have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and meet educational requirements (such as completing high school, earning a degree, or enrolling in education programs). The "American Promise Act" portion would provide permanent residency to individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of specific dates (January 1, 2017, or January 20, 2021). The bill includes provisions for background checks, fee exemptions for low-income applicants, and processes for removing conditional status after meeting specific criteria like completing higher education or earning income.

Maddy summaryHJRES 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the exception in the Thirteenth Amendment that allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. If ratified, this amendment would ban the use of forced labor in prisons as a criminal penalty, directly affecting how the U.S. criminal justice system handles sentencing. The resolution clarifies it does not interfere with voluntary work programs in correctional facilities, existing employment protections for incarcerated people, or community service alternatives. This change aims to eliminate a historical loophole that has disproportionately impacted Black Americans since the 1860s.

Maddy summaryHRES 272 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Russia to immediately release Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen and Michigan resident imprisoned since 2018 on espionage charges without evidence. It demands Russia provide Whelan with consular access, ensure due process rights, and release him from his 16-year labor camp sentence. The resolution also thanks Canada, Ireland, and the U.K. for their efforts to secure his freedom and expresses sympathy to his family. As a formal statement of congressional position, it does not compel action but underscores the House's stance on Whelan's case.

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 summaryHR 3962 establishes an Advisory Council to support victims of gun violence, directly affecting individuals impacted by gun violence (including survivors, witnesses, and relatives of victims) and the professionals who assist them. The council, composed of federal agency heads, victims, and victim assistance professionals, will assess needs, review existing programs, and compile accessible resources covering medical, financial, mental health, legal, and housing support. It must publish a public report within 180 days of enactment detailing best practices and gaps, with a follow-up report after two years. The council’s work will be shared online and distributed to congressional offices, state agencies, schools, and local prosecutors, with no new federal funding authorized for implementation.

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 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.