Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Maddy summaryHR 1269, the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act of 2023, increases federal funding for school meals. It adds 45 cents per lunch and 28 cents per breakfast served by school food authorities (like school districts) starting July 1, 2023, covering all meal types (free, reduced-price, and full-price). The extra payments are adjusted annually beginning July 1, 2024, based on inflation. This directly affects schools serving meals under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition programs, providing them with additional funding to support meal costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled misleadingly as the "Customs Business Fairness Act," is actually a narrow amendment to bankruptcy law, not customs policy. It modifies Section 507(d) of the Bankruptcy Code to exclude "subparagraph (F)" from certain debt treatment rules, affecting businesses filing for bankruptcy under Title 11 after the law's enactment. The amendment applies only to bankruptcy cases commenced after the bill becomes law, not to cases filed before it was enacted. This is a procedural change with no direct impact on customs operations or import/export regulations.

Maddy summaryHRES 198 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 111th anniversary. It celebrates the organization’s role in providing girls with safe, inclusive spaces for leadership development, skill-building, and community engagement through programs like STEM education, outdoor activities, and civic initiatives. The resolution specifically acknowledges Girl Scouts’ 111-year legacy, congratulates Gold Award recipients, and encourages continued support for their mission. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policies, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or organizations.

Maddy summaryHR 1322 expands federal retirement benefits to include specific non-traditional law enforcement roles. It adds IRS employees focused on tax collection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service staff, Department of Veterans Affairs police officers, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized property specialists to the definition of "law enforcement officer" under federal retirement systems. Current employees in these newly covered positions must elect to pay deposits for past service to receive full retirement credit, while their agencies must contribute additional funds for that past service. The bill also temporarily prevents mandatory separation for current law enforcement officers for three years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 makes several key updates to support Peace Corps volunteers. It increases readjustment allowances from $125 to $375, establishes protocols for safely returning volunteers whose service was interrupted by catastrophic events, and improves health care provisions including mental health services. The bill extends noncompetitive hiring eligibility for returning volunteers for up to three years and implements a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drug use. It also adds protections against retaliation for volunteers who report issues related to waste, fraud, or safety concerns. These changes aim to better support volunteers before, during, and after their service.

Maddy summaryThe United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2023 establishes a new independent foundation to provide long-term funding for the management of protected areas and conservation projects in eligible countries. The Foundation will be governed by a Board with government officials and private sector representatives, and it will fund projects that require non-U.S. Government funding to match the U.S. funding provided. Projects must demonstrate community support, environmental safeguards, and economic benefits for local communities. The Foundation will operate for 10 years with $100 million authorized annually for fiscal years 2024-2033, and must report annually to Congress on its activities and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes pay equity for federal firefighters by adjusting how their retirement benefits are calculated and setting a standard workweek. It requires retirement annuities to include overtime hours worked as part of a firefighter's regular schedule (e.g., overtime during standard shifts), rather than excluding them. The bill also mandates a maximum 60-hour regular workweek for federal firefighters, set by the Office of Personnel Management within one year of enactment. These changes directly affect federal firefighters, aiming to improve pay comparability with municipal firefighters and other federal employees while supporting recruitment and retention.

Maddy summaryThe Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023 strengthens workers' rights to organize unions by making it harder for employers to interfere with organizing efforts. Key provisions include changing the definition of "employee" to make it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors, prohibiting employers from threatening to permanently replace striking workers, and requiring employers to provide voter lists for union elections. The bill also creates a new electronic voting system for union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections for workers reporting labor violations, and increases penalties for unfair labor practices. These changes directly affect workers seeking to form unions, employers who may interfere with organizing, and labor organizations. The bill aims to make it easier for workers to exercise their right to collective bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act.

Maddy summaryHRES 177 is a non-binding resolution supporting National Engineers Week (February 19-25, 2023). It expresses the House's recognition of engineers' contributions to public health, safety, and technological innovation, and emphasizes the importance of engineering education and diversity in STEM fields. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it solely affirms support for the week's goals of promoting engineering careers and STEM literacy. It was introduced by 12 representatives and referred to relevant committees for consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 1222, the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023, authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments established in 1866 (later consolidated into four regiments). The medal recognizes their service from the post-Civil War era through World War II, including roles in frontier protection, national park preservation, and combat during major conflicts. After awarding the medal, it will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. This bill is purely commemorative, with no new policies or direct impacts on current laws or individuals.