Rep. Daniel S. Goldman

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Act of 2023 extends a 2018 law that prohibits slaughtering animals for human consumption to include horses, donkeys, and other equine animals, such as ponies. It amends Section 12515 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 by updating the language to replace "dog or cat" with "dog, cat, or equine" in both the section title and the main prohibition. This change directly affects the livestock industry and slaughter facilities by banning the processing of equines for food. The bill modifies existing law without adding new enforcement mechanisms, closing a gap in animal protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023, aims to improve access to nutrition assistance for older adults and people with disabilities through several key changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related programs. It extends SNAP certification periods to 36 months, establishes a standard medical expense deduction for elderly/disabled participants, and creates streamlined application processes (Elderly Simplified Application Program and Combined Application Program) to reduce administrative burdens for eligible households. The bill also establishes a pilot program to improve enrollment among older adults, kinship families, and people with disabilities, and adds provisions for food delivery services for SNAP participants who are elderly or disabled and unable to shop. Additionally, it increases funding for the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and creates infrastructure funding for farmers' markets to improve access to fresh food in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThe LGBTQI+ and Women's History Education Act of 2023 would provide $2 million annually for five years to develop educational resources about women's and LGBTQI+ history for K-12 classrooms. The bill directs the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to create inclusive teaching materials that address historical gaps where women and LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly those of color and with disabilities, have been underrepresented. These resources would include digital content, print materials, and professional development for teachers to help implement more comprehensive curricula. The bill aims to address findings showing only 13% of named historical figures in textbooks are women and that LGBTQI+ history is often omitted or marginalized in school curricula. The program would require annual reports to Congress on how funds are used, with the program set to sunset in 2028.

Maddy summaryThe ASPIRE Act (HR 4309) allows asylum seekers in the U.S. to obtain work permits 30 days after filing their asylum application, valid until a final denial (including appeals). It directly affects individuals applying for asylum who face prolonged processing times. The bill allocates $2 billion to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for hiring more asylum officers and improving processing capacity, and $10 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for shelter, food, and transportation services for migrants encountered at borders. These provisions aim to reduce asylum backlogs and provide immediate support to asylum seekers while their cases are reviewed.

Maddy summaryHR 4289 prohibits "buy now, pay later" financing for firearms classified as "assault weapons" under the bill. It bans such loans for consumers purchasing these weapons and makes it illegal for dealers, manufacturers, or importers to accept funds from these loans for assault weapon sales. The law defines assault weapons to include rifles with features like folding stocks, detachable magazines, or pistol grips, and pistols with specific attachments or capacity limits. Violations carry $100,000 civil penalties assessed by the Attorney General. This directly affects consumers seeking to finance these weapons and the businesses selling them.

Maddy summaryHJRES 76 proposes renaming the Robert E. Lee Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery to the "Arlington House National Historic Site." This procedural bill would replace all official references to the memorial with the new name and repeal two prior resolutions (1955 and 1972) that established the memorial. The change affects how the site is identified in federal laws, documents, and records but does not alter its management or historical significance. The bill focuses solely on the official designation, not on policy changes or historical interpretation.

Maddy summaryHRES 531 requires the House Ethics Committee to immediately identify the individuals who guaranteed Rep. George Santos' $500,000 bail bond following his May 2023 federal indictment for fraud and false statements. The resolution mandates the Committee to report to the full House within two days on whether Santos provided these names, and to disclose the names if he did. It also demands an interim report on the Ethics Committee's investigation into Santos' conduct by July 17, 2023. This resolution directly affects the House Ethics Committee's actions regarding Santos' case, which stems from his federal charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program within the Fulbright exchange system to honor civil rights leader John Lewis and advance U.S. foreign policy through global civil rights education. It creates a new fellowship for U.S. early- to mid-career professionals, selecting at least 25 annually for 10-month programs to conduct research or intern with approved organizations in countries participating in Fulbright exchanges. Fellows must complete a work plan, attend an orientation in Washington, DC, and present findings at an annual summit, with the State Department covering costs for travel, lodging, and expenses. The program requires annual reports on participant demographics and program effectiveness, and expires seven years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) would amend federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing, employment, credit, and jury service. It amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under existing sex discrimination provisions. The bill would require businesses, housing providers, employers, and government entities to provide equal access and services without regard to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation to clarify protections across all covered areas. The law would apply to all entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including those receiving federal funding.

Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2023 This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms. Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.