Rep. Nick LaLota

Increased Cost of Compliance Modernization Act of 2023 This bill increases insurance coverage available to structures in high-risk flood areas under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), commonly known as Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. ICC coverage applies to costs related to flood mitigation requirements for repairs to, or the rebuilding of, flood-damaged structures with existing NFIP coverage. Currently, ICC coverage is capped at $30,000. The bill increases this amount to $50,000, or 20% of the maximum amount of flood insurance coverage, with additional coverage available of up to $100,000, or 40% of the maximum amount of coverage. The bill removes the cap on ICC premiums and requires the premium amount to be calculated pursuant to other NFIP rates. Additionally, ICC coverage does not count towards the cap on overall NFIP coverage. Finally, ICC policyholders are allowed to assign the rights or benefits of this coverage to a governmental agency to satisfy certain cost-sharing requirements applicable to mitigation assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryThe GROWTH Act of 2023 expands funding for nursing workforce training by making community colleges and their healthcare partnerships eligible for grants under the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention program. It directly affects community colleges with existing nursing programs and partnerships between these colleges and healthcare facilities like Federally Qualified Health Centers. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prioritize up to 50% of annual funding for these community colleges or their partnerships. This changes how funds are distributed, ensuring a significant portion supports workforce development at the community college level.

Maddy summaryHRES 798 is a House resolution condemning support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at colleges and universities. It states such support may create a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff, citing incidents like blaming Israel for the October 7 Hamas attack. The resolution urges the Secretary of Education to direct the Office for Civil Rights to investigate and take action where appropriate. This non-binding resolution expresses the House's position but does not create new law or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill excludes veterans' disability and dependency payments from income calculations for HUD housing assistance programs. It directly affects veterans and their families receiving disability compensation under Title 38, U.S. Code, by ensuring these benefits don't reduce their eligibility or housing assistance amounts. Specifically, it prevents HUD from counting these payments when determining eligibility, benefit amounts, or rent calculations for assisted housing. The policy change applies solely to HUD-administered housing programs, not other federal benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 6201, the Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2023, creates the Iran Sanctions Enforcement Fund to cover costs related to seizing and forfeiting property from Iran or its designated proxies (like Hezbollah or the Revolutionary Guard Corps) that violate U.S. sanctions. The fund, initially $150 million, pays for investigative costs, property management, informant rewards, and equipment for federal, state, and local agencies involved in enforcement. It also establishes an Export Enforcement Coordination Center within Homeland Security to improve interagency cooperation on enforcing export controls targeting Iran. The bill requires annual reports on fund usage and mandates repayment of the initial $150 million by 2034, unless waived for national security reasons.

Maddy summaryHRES 773 is a resolution to expel Representative George Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives due to criminal charges and misconduct. It cites his false claims about his background, federal indictments for wire fraud, money laundering, and stealing over $44,000 from campaign donors, as well as falsifying financial records. The resolution invokes Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, which allows the House to expel members for "disorderly behavior" or misconduct. This action directly affects Santos, removing him from his seat and ending his service as the representative for New York’s 3rd Congressional District. The resolution does not alter any laws but addresses his eligibility to serve based on his legal violations.

Maddy summaryHRES 599 is a non-binding resolution urging the European Union to fully designate Hizballah (Hezbollah) as a terrorist organization, rather than just its military wing as the EU did in 2013. It recommends the EU implement sanctions, freeze assets, issue arrest warrants, and prohibit fundraising for Hizballah, aligning with actions taken by the U.S. and other nations. The resolution cites Hizballah’s history of attacks, its criminal activities in Europe (including drug trafficking and money laundering), and its ties to Iran as justification. It directly addresses EU decision-makers, calling for coordinated action to disrupt Hizballah’s operations across the continent. The resolution follows prior House efforts, including H.Res. 359 (2017) and H.Res. 558 (2022), which made similar requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to request state or EPA permit modifications for military facilities to mandate quarterly testing of PFAS chemicals in stormwater runoff and implement controls to reduce discharges. It directly affects DoD facilities, which use PFAS-containing firefighting foams, and the states or EPA issuing their stormwater permits. Key provisions include a one-year deadline for permit revisions (requiring quarterly PFAS monitoring and best management practices) and dedicating at least 1% of annual PFAS remediation funds for stormwater testing at military sites. The bill aims to reduce PFAS pollution from military operations into waterways through enforceable monitoring and control measures.

This resolution condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel and expresses sympathy and solidarity with the families of those held hostage or killed in those attacks.  The resolution also adjourns the House of Representatives in honor of those killed and unaccounted for.