Rep. Thomas H. Kean, Jr.

Maddy summaryHR 9374, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if they restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. The bill specifically blocks funding for any UN body that expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to participate equally with other nations. This affects U.S. government contributions to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to halt funding for such UN actions. The key mechanism is a new provision in the UN Participation Act that mandates this funding restriction whenever Israel's UN participation is impaired.

Maddy summaryThe IVF for Families Act creates a new federal tax credit for individuals who pay for covered fertility treatments, up to $15,000 annually. It directly affects people undergoing fertility procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg/sperm donation, genetic screening, or intrauterine insemination, but requires married couples to file joint tax returns to claim the credit. The credit covers qualified expenses paid during the tax year, excluding amounts already reimbursed by insurance or claimed elsewhere on the tax return. This policy change would reduce the out-of-pocket cost of fertility care for eligible individuals by allowing a direct tax reduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a formal process for reimbursing state and local governments when they provide security resources for presidential events. It directly affects state and local governments that contribute personnel, equipment, or facilities during presidential security operations. The key provision authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to pay these entities back for their services, with the governments' consent, using existing funds. This changes current practice by establishing a clear, written reimbursement mechanism rather than relying on ad-hoc arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi - detainees held at Guantanamo Bay for their alleged roles in the September 11, 2001, attacks - remain subject to military trial under Chapter 47A of Title 10, United States Code, regardless of any plea agreements they may have entered. It explicitly allows the death penalty as a sentencing option in their trials and mandates strict confinement conditions: solitary confinement at Guantanamo Bay, no contact with foreign nationals, no unauthorized psychological treatment, and no transfer to the U.S. mainland or any other country. The bill directly affects only these three individuals and modifies procedural and sentencing rules for their specific cases.

Maddy summaryHR 9247, the BIS IT Modernization Act, requires the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to replace outdated information technology systems with a unified environment by 2029. The bill mandates adopting advanced data tools to streamline export license reviews, improve tracking of military end uses in countries of concern, and enhance data sharing with industry and partners. It specifically directs BIS to reduce manual processing, strengthen cybersecurity, and facilitate easier access for U.S. exporters using its systems. The act authorizes $25 million annually (2025-2028) to fund these modernization efforts.

Maddy summaryThe Safer Skies Act of 2024 requires certain smaller airlines to adopt the federal security screening program currently used by larger carriers. Specifically, it mandates that airlines operating passenger planes with more than 9 seats (that do not use TSA checkpoints, offer individual seats in advance with public schedules) must comply with the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program within 360 days of enactment. The Transportation Security Administration must revise its rules to enforce this new requirement. This directly affects regional carriers that currently skip standard airport security screenings but serve passengers under these specific operational conditions. The bill extends existing security standards to cover these previously exempt airlines without creating new security protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes sanctions on individuals and entities within the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that administer or support a system paying terrorists and their families. It targets PA/PLO officials, specific entities like the Commission of Prisoners, and financial institutions processing these payments, requiring property blocking, visa bans, and restrictions on U.S. financial transactions. The sanctions apply if the PA/PLO continues payments described in the Taylor Force Act (2018), which previously mandated ending such payments. The bill terminates if the Secretary of State certifies the PA/PLO has ceased these payments.

Maddy summaryThe National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (HR 6213) reauthorizes and expands federal efforts to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology in the United States. It establishes new programs including National Quantum Centers, Quantum Testbeds, and a Quantum Reskilling and Workforce Coordination Hub to develop domestic talent and infrastructure. The bill creates an International Quantum Cooperation Strategy to build partnerships with allies while restricting collaboration with "foreign countries of concern" as defined in the legislation. It provides funding for research, workforce development, and commercialization of quantum technologies across government agencies, universities, and industry. The act aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in quantum technology through coordinated federal investment and international collaboration.

Maddy summaryThe 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024 makes several key changes to the World Trade Center Health Program that serves 9/11 responders and survivors. It allows licensed mental health providers (not just physicians) to conduct mental health evaluations for program participants and extends the time period for adding new health conditions from 90 to 180 days. The bill also adjusts enrollment calculations by removing deceased individuals from program counts and provides $2.97 billion in new funding for fiscal year 2024 with a minimum annual funding level of $20 million for 2025. These changes aim to improve access to care while ensuring stable, long-term funding for the program that provides medical services to those affected by the 9/11 attacks.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.