Rep. Claudia Tenney

Maddy summaryHR 2693, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2023, ensures Coast Guard members, civilian staff, and qualifying contractors receive pay and benefits during specific funding gaps. It requires Congress to appropriate funds for Coast Guard personnel pay, allowances, and key benefits (like death gratuities and housing allowances) if a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs - when Coast Guard funding isn’t approved before a fiscal year starts but Department of Defense funding is. The bill mandates these payments continue until a full appropriation is enacted or for up to two weeks after the lapse begins, with costs charged to future appropriations. This addresses a gap in funding continuity for Coast Guard personnel during government shutdowns affecting only the Coast Guard.

Maddy summaryHJRES 27 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a federal rule that redefined which waterways fall under the Clean Water Act's protections. It targets a rule submitted by the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 18, 2023, which aimed to revise the "Waters of the United States" definition. The resolution would formally disapprove this rule under a specific federal procedure (Chapter 8 of Title 5), preventing it from taking effect. This would directly affect how federal agencies regulate pollution and development near water bodies, including wetlands and smaller streams.

Maddy summaryHRES 305 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) that expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating April 18, 2024, as "National Amateur Radio Operators Day." It recognizes amateur radio operators' role in community communication, emergency response (like during hurricanes), and promoting technological skills, without creating any new legal requirements or affecting specific groups. The resolution has no binding effect and serves solely to honor the hobby's contributions, citing its historical significance and community value. It was introduced by multiple House members in April 2023.

Maddy summaryHR 2665 delays Medicaid payment reductions for safety net hospitals by two years, changing the effective date from 2024 to 2026 under Section 1923(f)(7)(A) of the Social Security Act. This bill directly affects hospitals that serve high numbers of low-income and uninsured patients, providing them with additional time before facing reduced federal Medicaid payments. The key mechanism is a technical amendment to existing law, postponing an already scheduled payment adjustment without altering funding levels or eligibility. As a procedural bill, it does not create new programs or change hospital requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 2696 permanently extends a 7-year depreciation period for motorsports entertainment complexes under tax law. It amends the Internal Revenue Code by removing a temporary provision (subparagraph D), making the 7-year recovery period permanent for these facilities. This change directly affects businesses that own or operate motorsports venues when calculating tax deductions for facility investments. The bill is a technical tax code adjustment with no new regulations or direct impact on individuals.

Maddy summaryThe VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to schedule appointments for enrolled veterans during the same phone call when they request care. This applies to veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system who contact the VA by phone to request appointments. The law mandates that the VA must complete the scheduling during the call - without delay or future scheduling - regardless of the appointment date. The requirement takes effect 120 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe PLUS for Veterans Act of 2023 clarifies and updates rules for veterans' benefit claims under the Department of Veterans Affairs. It sets a $12,500 annual fee cap (adjusted for inflation) for agents or attorneys representing veterans, prohibits charging fees for medical exams, and prohibits unauthorized fees with penalties including fines or up to one year in prison. The bill directly affects veterans seeking benefits, their legal representatives, and the VA by standardizing fee agreements, requiring VA reports on agent/attorney suspensions, and ensuring veterans can access free services from VA-recognized organizations. Key provisions include banning fees for medical reports and requiring clear fee disclosures to veterans.

Protect Local Taxpayers Act of 2023 This bill specifies that, in order to receive certain Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) increases under Medicaid, states with a local share requirement must agree to distribute funds to each locality in an amount that is proportional to the locality's Medicaid contributions.

Maddy summaryHR 2620, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023, increases penalties for crimes targeting firearms licensees. It amends Section 924 of Title 18 to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 3 years for burglaries or 5 years for robberies committed at the business premises of licensed firearms dealers, manufacturers, or importers. The bill specifically targets violations of Section 922(u), which prohibits unauthorized access to these premises, and adds "attempts to do so" to the penalties. This directly affects licensed firearms businesses by strengthening legal protections against theft or violence at their locations. The law creates clearer, harsher consequences for crimes committed during burglaries or robberies at these specific business sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act. It ends the executive branch's authority to use emergency powers related to that specific declaration. The resolution passed both chambers in early 2023 and took effect April 10, 2023, without creating new policies or affecting specific groups.