Rep. Anthony D’Esposito

Maddy summaryHR 4479, the "Positioning the Election Assistance Commission for the Future Act of 2023," designates the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) as the primary federal agency for election administration. It increases the EAC's annual funding to $25 million for fiscal years 2024-2026 (from $10 million), sets a maximum of 55 full-time staff, and gives the EAC exclusive authority to make payments to states for election equipment, technology, and security improvements. The bill prohibits using these funds for get-out-the-vote activities and requires any public communication funded by EAC payments to include a clear disclaimer stating it was paid for with federal taxpayer funds. These changes take effect October 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to fund high-impact tutoring in K-12 schools, primarily targeting students in schools with high poverty (Title I schools) and those experiencing significant academic declines since the pandemic. It requires tutoring to meet specific standards: at least 30 minutes per student, three days per week, with a 3:1 student-to-tutor ratio, and alignment with classroom instruction. States receive 80% of funds to award subgrants to local schools, which must submit detailed plans, provide monthly progress reports, and partner with research organizations to evaluate program effectiveness. The program prioritizes schools with the greatest academic need and mandates accountability through annual reviews of student outcomes by state agencies and an independent Advisory Board.

Maddy summaryHR 4339, the Preserving Local Medicaid Access Act of 2023, requires states receiving enhanced federal Medicaid funds to distribute those funds equitably to local governments (like cities and counties) based on each locality's prior spending on Medicaid. It amends federal law to mandate that states distribute these funds so that each local government receives an amount proportional to its past contribution relative to the state's total Medicaid costs. This applies to federal funding increases for medical assistance provided in calendar quarters starting October 1, 2022. The bill directly affects states managing Medicaid funds and local governments that previously may not have received a fair share of federal Medicaid dollars.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to detect, identify, monitor, and mitigate drone threats to specific high-risk facilities including government buildings, airports, critical infrastructure, and locations hosting special events. It establishes a 5-year pilot program allowing state and local law enforcement agencies to use drone detection technology under federal oversight, with strict privacy protections requiring 180-day data retention limits and mandatory training for personnel. The bill requires coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration to minimize impacts on air traffic and mandates regular congressional reporting on how these authorities are being used. It sets an expiration date of 7 years after enactment for these new authorities.

Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act of 2023 This bill requires the Coast Guard to study and report to Congress on recreational vessel operator training. The study must include a review of Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron training programs, existing state boating education programs, and other recreational vessel operator training programs. The report must analyze, among other topics, minimum standards for education of recreational vessel operators; how a federal training and testing program can be harmonized with state programs; how the Coast Guard would administer a federal boating education, training, and testing program; and the extent to which a federal boating education, training, and testing program should be required for all waters of a state.

Maddy summaryThe Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends federal funding for the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program through fiscal years 2024-2028, replacing its previous authorization period. The bill directly affects state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and community groups that receive PSN grants to reduce violent crime. Key provisions allow grantees to use funds for hiring crime analysts, covering overtime for officers and assistants, purchasing technology for crime reduction, and supporting multi-jurisdictional task forces. It also requires annual reports from the Attorney General detailing fund usage, community outreach, and violent crime statistics (including murder, robbery, and assault) in each program area. The program operates across all 94 U.S. federal judicial districts and territories.

Maddy summaryHR 4335, the VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2023, requires mortgage lenders to include specific information about VA home loan programs in standard mortgage disclosures. The bill amends the National Housing Act to mandate that lenders provide details on VA loans (guaranteed under Title 38) alongside other loan options, including assumptions about prevailing interest rates. This change directly affects lenders processing VA-guaranteed mortgages, ensuring borrowers receive clearer comparisons between VA loans and other financing. The law does not require lenders to verify borrower eligibility for VA loans, only to include the specified disclosure language.

Maddy summaryThe HERO Act establishes a national data system to track suicides among public safety officers, including firefighters, EMTs, police, and telecommunicators, collecting detailed statistics by age, gender, occupation, and employment status (career, volunteer, or retired). It mandates annual reports to Congress and public availability of findings to identify suicide trends and effective interventions. The bill also funds peer-support wellness programs for fire/EMS departments, behavioral health programs for healthcare providers, and resources to train mental health professionals on treating public safety personnel. All data collection and program provisions include strict privacy safeguards to protect confidentiality and prohibit using suicide data to deny survivor benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 4263, the ADINA Act, requires drug manufacturers to clearly label human-use drugs containing major food allergens (like peanuts or shellfish) or ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains (such as wheat or barley). This affects drug producers and pharmacies by mandating that labels state the presence of these allergens and specify the exact gluten source if applicable. The law aims to inform consumers with allergies about potential risks in medications. It applies to all drugs meeting these criteria, with implementation beginning within two years of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 3519, the Hot Foods Act of 2023, amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption at participating retailers. This change directly affects SNAP recipients who purchase such hot foods and retailers that sell them. The key provision removes the previous exclusion of hot foods from SNAP eligibility, while adding a limit that no more than 50% of a retailer's total gross sales from SNAP can come from hot foods. The bill clarifies that hot foods can be purchased for home or immediate consumption, aligning SNAP rules with current retail practices for prepared foods.