Rep. Marcus J. Molinaro

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas. Current law provides for an increase of up to 200 positions per fiscal year beginning in FY2023, with a total increase of 1,000 positions; each hospital may receive up to 25 additional positions. Current law also provides for an additional increase of up to 200 positions for FY2026, with at least 100 of these positions for psychiatry or related specialties; each hospital may receive up to 10 additional positions. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2025-FY2031; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law. Additionally, one-third of the positions that are made available under the bill must be allocated to hospitals that are already operating above applicable resident limits. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 277 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2023 that urges the United States Postal Service (USPS) to restore mail delivery standards in effect as of July 1, 2012. It specifically calls for ending the 2015 service cuts that eliminated overnight first-class mail delivery and delayed other mail types, which the resolution states harmed businesses, rural communities, and the economy. The resolution cites the Postal Regulatory Commission’s finding that USPS could achieve cost savings without degrading service, emphasizing that returning to 2012 standards would improve delivery reliability without worsening USPS finances. As a resolution, it does not mandate action but expresses the House’s policy preference.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for U.S.-Israel cooperation to monitor and disrupt tunnels along the Gaza border. It amends a 2016 law by changing the end date from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The extension directly affects U.S. and Israeli security agencies working together on tunnel surveillance and prevention. The key mechanism is simply updating the expiration date for this existing program.

Maddy summaryHR 1472, the Plant Biostimulant Act, removes plant biostimulants from regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This means products like certain microbial treatments or plant-boosting substances (defined as materials improving plant processes without relying on nutrient content) will no longer require EPA approval as pesticides. The bill also directs the EPA to update regulations within 120 days and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on how plant biostimulants improve soil health, including reducing nutrient runoff and supporting carbon sequestration. The study must be reported to Congress within one year of funding.

Making Advances Kinetic Education, Research, and Skills Act or the MAKERS Act This bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education for researching and developing makerspaces to grow the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. Makerspaces are community spaces that provide learners and entrepreneurs with tools, technology, and knowledge for prototyping or creating physical goods and support educational opportunities for personal growth, workforce training, and early-stage business ventures. When awarding the grants, the NSF must prioritize certain recipients, including (1) community colleges and minority-serving institutions; and (2) those that partner with workforce development entities, high-need local educational agencies, or independent nonprofit or academic makerspaces.

Supporting Our First Responders Act This bill establishes a competitive grant program to support medical transport and emergency medical services (EMS). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award the grants to EMS organizations (including for-profit organizations) or state, tribal, territorial, or local governments. Grant-funded activities include (1) providing salaries and stipends for EMS workers; (2) purchasing vehicles, personal protective equipment, and other resources; and (3) establishing community paramedicine or mobile integrated health care initiatives. HHS must also report to Congress about health insurance reimbursement for medical transport and EMS and the feasibility of establishing a federal EMS office.

Maddy summaryHR 1689, the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act, provides federal grants to help elementary and secondary schools - especially those in rural areas, high-poverty communities, or health professional shortage zones - establish telehealth programs for student mental and behavioral health. Schools can use funds to buy telehealth equipment, create dedicated spaces, or hire staff to connect students with remote counseling services. The bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2024 to 2027 for these programs, requiring grantees to comply with student privacy laws and report on program impact by 2025. It does not replace existing funding but supplements it, focusing on expanding access to care for underserved students.

Maddy summaryThe RISE Act (HR 2401) requires colleges to accept multiple types of documentation - such as past Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, or licensed professional evaluations - to verify a student’s disability for accommodations, rather than requiring current evaluations. It also mandates institutions to publicly share clear, accessible processes for determining accommodation eligibility and to report specific disability-related enrollment data (like total students with disabilities and accommodations used) to federal databases. The bill authorizes $10 million for a national support center to assist postsecondary students with disabilities. It applies directly to institutions of higher education and students formally registered with disability services offices, without altering existing ADA definitions or rights.

Maddy summaryThe Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2023 creates a $1.00 federal tax credit per gallon for renewable natural gas (RNG) used as fuel in vehicles, boats, or aircraft. This credit applies to producers and users of RNG derived from biomass, requiring producers to register with the IRS and provide certification for each sale. Blended RNG (mixed with regular natural gas) can qualify only if accompanied by a prior contract specifying the RNG amount and producer certification. The credit expires December 31, 2033, and does not apply to RNG produced or used outside the United States.

Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act of 2023 This bill allows certain licensed commercial truck drivers a $7,500 tax credit in a taxable year. The adjusted gross income of such drivers may not exceed $90,000 ($135,000 in the case of a joint tax return and $112,500 for heads of household). Such drivers must have driven a truck in a trade or business for a specified number of hours in a taxable year. The credit expires after December 31, 2024.