Maddy summaryHR 4021, the Fair and Open Skies Act, amends U.S. aviation law to require that the Department of Transportation consider labor standards when reviewing international air transport agreements. Specifically, it adds "preventing the undermining of labor standards" as a mandatory factor in the public interest test for approving such agreements under 49 U.S.C. § 40101. This change directly affects international airlines seeking to operate flights to or from the U.S. and the DOT, which must now evaluate whether proposed agreements could weaken U.S. labor protections. The bill updates existing provisions by replacing outdated language about "agreements with the United States Government" and explicitly including labor standards in the evaluation criteria.
Sponsored bills
This resolution expresses support for keeping AM radios in cars. (Several car manufacturers announced plans to remove AM radio options from some or all of their models.)
Maddy summaryHR 3982, the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, creates a new tax credit for businesses capturing methane from mining operations. It directly affects mining facilities that capture at least 2,500 metric tons of methane annually from underground, abandoned, surface mines, or related activities, requiring the methane to be used for energy (with minimal leaks) or injected into compliant pipelines. The credit replaces carbon capture provisions in the tax code, defining "qualified methane" as methane captured at the source and verified for use or storage. The credit applies to methane captured after December 31, 2022, for facilities beginning construction before January 1, 2033.
Maddy summaryThe Neighborhood Homes Investment Act creates a new tax credit for developers who rehabilitate or build affordable homes in distressed communities. The credit is calculated based on the difference between rehabilitation costs and the sale price, with homes required to be sold at affordable prices to qualified homeowners with incomes up to 140% of the local median family income. The bill targets specific "qualified census tracts" defined by high poverty rates, low homeownership, and below-average home values. Developers must ensure homes are sold to qualified homeowners who use them as primary residences for at least five years, with additional safeguards to prevent program abuse and ensure fair housing practices.
Maddy summaryThe NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a task force within 180 days to review and improve the system for delivering flight safety notices (NOTAMs) to pilots. The task force, including representatives from airlines, airports, pilot and dispatcher unions, and aviation safety experts, will evaluate current practices and recommend ways to make notices more accurate, timely, and user-friendly. The FAA must also implement a new Federal flight safety notice system by September 30, 2024, including a backup system and a plan for global standardization with international aviation formats. The task force must submit its recommendations to Congress within one year, focusing on enhancing safety information delivery for pilots and air traffic operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from changing its anesthesia care policies to allow nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to provide anesthesia independently without a physician anesthesiologist. It specifically blocks implementation of a 2016 proposed rule that would have expanded CRNAs' authority in VA facilities. The law maintains current requirements that physician anesthesiologists must oversee or provide anesthesia care for veterans during surgical procedures. Emergency orders for veteran safety during surgery remain permitted under the bill's exception clause.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution symbolically recognizes May as Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating Jewish Americans' historical contributions to U.S. society and culture. It references rising antisemitism in 2022 (including ADL data showing a 36% increase in incidents) and includes a non-binding call for leaders to combat antisemitism. As a purely symbolic resolution, it does not create new policies or legal requirements.
Maddy summaryThe Doctors at the Ready Act (HR 3613) eliminates a sunset provision that would have expired the authority for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make certain appointments within the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). This change ensures the NDMS can maintain its staffing capacity without needing periodic reauthorization. The bill directly affects the NDMS program and the HHS Secretary's appointment authority for disaster medical personnel. The amendment modifies Section 2812(c)(4) of the Public Health Service Act to remove the expiration date and a specific subpart.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes TRICARE eligibility rules for National Guard and Reserve retirees under age 60 who are not yet receiving retired pay due to specific provisions (sections 5304/5305 of Title 38). It allows these members to access TRICARE coverage even if they haven't yet qualified for full retired pay under Chapter 1223. The key change removes the previous requirement that they must be receiving retired pay to qualify for TRICARE. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2024, directly benefiting eligible Reserve retirees who would otherwise face coverage gaps before age 60.
Maddy summaryHR 3684, the Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023, authorizes the Department of Defense to fund research on using psychedelic substances for treating specific conditions in active-duty military personnel. The bill creates a grant program to support phase II clinical trials (using substances like MDMA, psilocybin, or ibogaine) or training for treating PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with participants including active-duty service members. It removes barriers for military personnel to join these trials, regardless of federal scheduling of the substances or military justice rules. The bill appropriates $15 million annually from 2024 to 2028 for this research and requires regular reports to Congress on grant recipients and trial findings.