Rep. Dina Titus

This resolution calls on major U.S. companies still operating in Russia to reconsider their continued presence after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Supporting Americans who use their free speech rights to boycott U.S. firms still operating in Russia, the resolution condemns those companies, who provide financial benefits to the Putin regime and enable the regime to continue to wage war in Ukraine.

Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2023 This bill establishes grants for increasing the exposure and access of students to the aviation industry, with a particular focus on women and minorities. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish the Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program to award the grants to state and local governments or educational agencies for activities that increase exposure and access to aviation-related education and jobs, such as programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in aviation degree programs. DOT must prioritize grant applicants that propose to use the funds to encourage the participation of women, minorities, and individuals in rural and urban areas in the aviation industry.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution permits the Fraternal Order of Police to hold two public events on Capitol Grounds: the 42nd Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15, 2023 (honoring officers who died in 2022), and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition on May 14, 2023 (showcasing law enforcement demonstrations). The events must be free, open to the public, and not interfere with congressional operations, with the sponsors covering all costs and adhering to Capitol Grounds regulations. The resolution specifically authorizes temporary structures like stages and sound equipment under approval from the Architect of the Capitol.

Maddy summaryHR 2403, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2023, modifies federal firearm background check procedures to address delays. It requires firearm licensees to wait at least 10 business days after a prospective buyer submits a petition verifying they are not prohibited from owning firearms before completing a sale, if the background check system hasn't cleared the transaction. The bill also mandates the Attorney General to create an electronic petition form, provide timely responses to petitions, and track delays. Additionally, it requires multiple reports analyzing implementation, transaction delays, denial reasons by state, and potential impacts on domestic violence victim safety, with the first report due within 150 days of enactment.

Gun Trafficker Detection Act This bill requires gun owners to report the theft or loss of a firearm to law enforcement within 48 hours. A violation is subject to criminal and civil penalties. Additionally, the bill requires states to use at least 5% of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to implement effective management and collection of data related to lost or stolen firearms that are reported to law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal courts from excluding potential jurors from service due to disability or age. It amends jury service laws to remove disability and age as disqualifying factors, requiring courts to provide reasonable accommodations so individuals with disabilities can serve if otherwise qualified. The law directly affects people with disabilities and older adults who may have been previously disqualified from federal jury duty without considering accommodations. Key provisions mandate that courts must assess whether a disability can be reasonably accommodated before disqualifying someone, ensuring equal access to jury service under federal law.

Maddy summaryHR 2394, the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, creates a federal list of passengers who commit specific aviation security offenses, such as assaulting crew members, threatening flight safety, or tampering with security systems. Individuals added to this list are banned from boarding commercial flights until removed through established procedures. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop clear policies for adding individuals to the list, handling appeals within 5 days for potential errors, and maintaining annual reports on the list's composition. These provisions directly affect passengers convicted of or penalized for the specified offenses, aiming to enhance safety by restricting repeat offenders from flying.

Maddy summaryThe International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 creates a permanent Special Envoy at the State Department to coordinate U.S. efforts against discrimination and violence targeting LGBTQI+ people globally. The bill requires the development of an annual global strategy to address criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. It also mandates that U.S. country reports on human rights practices include detailed information about laws and practices affecting LGBTQI+ communities. The legislation authorizes U.S. foreign assistance programs to support LGBTQI+ rights through health services, legal protections, and community capacity building. This bill aims to strengthen U.S. diplomatic engagement on LGBTQI+ rights as part of broader human rights policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to expand or modify an existing national cemetery (under National Cemetery Administration control) before Arlington National Cemetery reaches capacity, ensuring it provides full military honors using the same standards and eligibility criteria that applied to Arlington as of March 31, 2023. It directly affects veterans and their families seeking burial with full military honors at national cemeteries nationwide. The bill also mandates a joint report within one year to Congress on expanding cemetery capacity and assessing whether interment criteria should recognize exceptional service, including impacts on women, non-combat veterans, and other groups. The key mechanism is preserving current military honors standards at alternative cemeteries to prevent Arlington's capacity limits from disrupting existing burial practices.

Maddy summaryHR 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, amends federal law to strengthen penalties for individuals or organizations charging veterans unauthorized fees when helping with VA benefit claims. It directly affects veterans seeking assistance with VA claims and the representatives (like advocates or attorneys) who might charge them fees. The bill adds a new provision making it a violation to solicit, charge, or receive any fee for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA claims, punishable by fines under Title 18. This change specifically targets unauthorized fee-charging while excluding fees covered under existing exceptions in sections 5904 or 1984 of the law.