Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Maddy summaryHR 451, the Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act of 2023, creates a federal crime for knowingly misrepresenting the source or nature of DNA used in fertility treatments like IVF or sperm insemination. It directly affects fertility clinics, patients, and individuals who commit such fraud by making it punishable by fines or up to 10 years in prison. The law applies when the fraud involves interstate commerce (e.g., payments, communications, or materials crossing state lines) or occurs within U.S. territories. It also extends the statute of limitations for prosecution to 10 years after DNA identifies the perpetrator. This bill targets specific deceptive practices in assisted reproductive technology, not broader fertility care.

Maddy summaryHRES 49 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2023. It formally acknowledges Lunar New Year's origins in China over 4,000 years ago, its celebration across East and Southeast Asia (including the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese tradition and Year of the Cat in Vietnamese tradition), and its observance by millions of Asian Americans and others in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and all global communities celebrating this holiday and extends well-wishes for a prosperous new year. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to affirm cultural recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 286, the Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2023, provides federal grants to healthcare providers to improve security at their facilities. The bill authorizes the Secretary to fund security services and physical/cyber security enhancements, including video surveillance, data privacy measures, and structural improvements. These grants directly help healthcare facilities, personnel, and patients by addressing safety concerns. The law specifies that funds must be used for necessary security costs to ensure safe access to healthcare services. It does not create new mandates but offers financial support for security upgrades.

This resolution urges all participants in the Good Friday agreement and subsequent agreements to honor their obligations. The resolution also supports efforts to (1) prevent a hard border within the island of Ireland and (2) promote peace and prosperity for all communities. (The island of Ireland is divided between Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, a European Union member state.)

Maddy summaryHR 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, defines "bump stock" as any device or modification that increases the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon to mimic a machine gun. The bill amends federal tax and firearms laws to classify bump stocks as prohibited devices under the National Firearms Act, requiring existing owners to register them within one year of enactment. It directly affects individuals who currently own bump stocks by mandating registration to avoid future possession prohibitions. The law takes effect immediately for new sales but provides a one-year grace period for existing owners to comply with registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 36 is a symbolic resolution supporting Korean American Day, introduced by multiple House members on January 13, 2023. It honors the 120th anniversary of the 1903 arrival of the first large wave of Korean immigrants to the U.S. and recognizes Korean Americans' contributions to U.S. society, economy, and the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The resolution urges all Americans to observe Korean American Day to appreciate these contributions but does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. It is a commemorative measure without binding requirements.

This resolution reaffirms support for the Belfast/Good Friday agreement on the 25th anniversary of its signing. The resolution also calls for full implementation of the agreement and commends those who have worked to further peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland in accordance with the principles of the agreement.

Maddy summaryHR 345, the TRUST in Congress Act, requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place certain investments into a "blind trust" within 90 days of taking office or after the bill's enactment. It directly affects current and future lawmakers and their immediate family members by mandating that covered investments - such as stocks, commodities, or derivatives (excluding Treasury bonds and some mutual funds) - be placed in a trust they cannot manage. Members must certify the trust setup to House or Senate officials within 15 days, and trusts cannot be dissolved until 180 days after leaving office. The law excludes investments providing primary income (e.g., from a spouse's job) but requires transparency through public website disclosures of certifications.

Maddy summaryHR 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act, would designate Rosa Parks Day as a legal public holiday for federal employees and government operations. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Rosa Parks Day" to the list of federal holidays, placing it after Thanksgiving Day. This change would require federal offices to close on this designated day, affecting federal employees and standard government operations. The bill does not create new programs or alter existing laws beyond the holiday designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges to notify students receiving federal work-study aid about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It mandates that institutions send electronic notifications (via email or other digital means) to these students, explaining SNAP eligibility requirements, state-specific application processes, and including a document confirming their work-study status to satisfy SNAP eligibility rules. The bill directly affects undergraduate and graduate students participating in federal work-study programs who may qualify for food assistance but lack awareness of SNAP. The key mechanism is the standardized notification developed by the Education and Agriculture Departments, designed to streamline access to nutrition benefits for students facing food insecurity.