Rep. Anthony D’Esposito

Maddy summaryHR 7433, the Law Enforcement Support and Transnational Repression Hotline Act, creates a new hotline for U.S. citizens and residents who believe they are victims of transnational repression by foreign governments or their agents - such as threats, harassment, or coercion for exercising First Amendment rights. The Department of Homeland Security must establish this anonymous hotline and run a public service campaign in multiple languages (including Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, and Russian) to educate the public about transnational repression and available resources. The bill also requires research into new technologies to help law enforcement combat such threats while protecting privacy and civil liberties. This legislation directly supports victims of foreign government intimidation and enhances federal coordination to address cross-border repression tactics.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new training program for state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement to identify and respond to transnational repression - where foreign governments cross borders to intimidate or harm people for exercising free speech, religion, or assembly. The training covers identifying repression tactics, collecting relevant data, and teaching personal safety practices for targeted individuals and communities. It also requires community awareness briefings to help people recognize and protect against such threats, connecting them to victim support resources. The program is developed through the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and must prioritize privacy and civil liberties.

Maddy summaryHRES 1120 is a symbolic House resolution condemning Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur), a convicted murderer linked to the Black Liberation Army, for her role in violent attacks that killed or injured law enforcement officers. It specifically honors six officers killed by her or her associates, including Trooper Werner Foerster and NYPD officers Piagentini, Jones, Foster, Laurie, and Scarangella. The resolution rejects any celebration of Chesimard and calls on Cuba to extradite her, as she remains a fugitive living in Cuba after escaping U.S. custody. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but expresses congressional condemnation.

Maddy summaryThe Coast Guard Housing Affordability and Availability Improvement Act requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment, detailing progress on implementing recommendations from a February 5, 2024, Government Accountability Office (GAO) report about Coast Guard housing. That GAO report (GAO-24-106388) identified ways to improve housing program feedback collection and information systems. The bill does not create new housing policies or directly affect Coast Guard members but mandates a review of how the Coast Guard is addressing prior recommendations. This report will provide Congress with information on whether efforts to enhance housing affordability and availability for Coast Guard personnel are advancing.

Maddy summaryHR 7808, the EARLY Minds Act, amends the Public Health Service Act to require states receiving federal mental health funds to include evidence-based prevention and early intervention strategies for children and adolescents in their state plans. It allows states to use up to 5% of their annual mental health allotment to support these programs, which aim to prevent, delay, or reduce the severity of mental health issues before they become serious. States must report biennially to Congress by 2025 on the programs they implement, including demographics served, outcomes like reduced care access delays, and how programs lessen the onset of serious mental illness. The bill directly affects states administering federal mental health funds and targets youth populations aged 0-18.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution (HRES 1107) expresses Congress's view that Israel must fully support any negotiation or agreement addressing the Israeli-Hamas conflict - including a two-state solution - for progress to occur. It states that U.S. policy should require Israel's "full cooperation and approval at each step" for both conflict resolution and long-term plans involving Israel and Palestinians. The resolution emphasizes continued U.S. support for Israel while affirming the U.S. should not force Israel to act against its interests. It does not create new laws or affect any parties legally, as it merely states congressional sentiment.

Maddy summaryThe Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2024 establishes a competitive grant program to help colleges and universities improve graduation rates for high-need students, including those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, caregivers, students with disabilities, and military-connected individuals. Eligible institutions must propose evidence-based reforms (categorized by research strength) and detail how grant funds will support student retention through services like mentoring, academic support, career preparation, and transfer pathway improvements. The bill reserves 2% of funds for Tribal Colleges and Universities and requires 20% of funds to prioritize the highest-research-backed reforms (tier 3), while mandating specific uses like emergency financial aid and career coaching. It also mandates evaluations to measure reform effectiveness and requires a congressional report within 18 months of enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 7770, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell three commemorative coins honoring women who worked on the U.S. home front during World War II. It specifies $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all to be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar), with all surcharge funds directed to the Rosie the Riveter Trust for maintaining the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. The coins will feature designs reflecting the legacy of diverse women workers and must meet specific weight, diameter, and composition standards.

Maddy summaryHR 6727 establishes the United States Foundation for International Conservation, a nonprofit organization that will provide grants to support long-term management of protected and conserved areas in eligible countries. The Foundation requires a 2:1 cost match from other sources, demands host country and community consent through binding agreements, and prioritizes areas with high biodiversity or species of significant importance. It will be governed by a Board of Directors including government officials and private sector experts, operate for 10 years with $1 million authorized for 2024 and $100 million annually from 2025-2035, and must follow international conservation standards while prohibiting funding for countries supporting terrorism or violating human rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. State Department from acquiring, leasing, or authorizing construction on overseas diplomatic facilities (like embassies and consulates) where the People’s Republic of China or its entities have ownership control (defined as 25% or more). It applies to all new building acquisitions, leases, and construction contracts after the law’s enactment. The law defines "covered construction" to include all building work, repairs, and essential systems like electrical or plumbing. Violations require the Secretary of State to notify relevant congressional committees within seven days.