Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

Maddy summaryThe Soil CARE Act of 2023 requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a training program for its staff and agricultural advisors on regenerative soil health practices. The program, to launch within one year of enactment, will provide online courses and in-person workshops covering soil biology, diversified farming systems (like agroforestry and livestock integration), organic production, and support for small/underserved farmers. It mandates partnerships with land-grant universities, conservation districts, and producer groups to develop the curriculum, which must address climate resilience, carbon sequestration, and tribal knowledge. Funded with $10 million over five years (2024-2028), the training aims to equip USDA personnel to better assist farmers in adopting practices that regenerate farmland and reduce input costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores visa eligibility for immigrants who had diversity visas allocated for fiscal years 2017-2022 but were denied entry due to specific travel restrictions (like Executive Orders 13769/13780 or related proclamations) or pandemic-related delays. The State Department must notify affected individuals within 90 days of the bill’s enactment, giving them one year to confirm they wish to proceed with their visa applications. Unused visas from those years can be reallocated without counting against current annual limits, and applicants who fail to respond or are denied for standard reasons (like education requirements) lose eligibility. The policy directly affects individuals impacted by these specific past barriers to immigration.

Maddy summaryHR 3650, the Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023, amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to create a new "Opportunities in Organic" program. It provides federal reimbursement for organic certification costs (up to $1,500 per producer, with higher amounts possible for socially disadvantaged farmers or in high-cost regions) and establishes new funding for nonprofits to support farmers transitioning to organic practices. The bill directly affects socially disadvantaged farmers, small/mid-sized farms, and eligible nonprofit organizations by covering transition costs like soil testing, equipment, land access barriers, and technical assistance. Key provisions include $50 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2025, increasing to $100 million by 2027, with specific requirements for reporting on program outcomes and participant demographics.

Maddy summaryHRES 963 is a symbolic resolution honoring Korean American Day, which commemorates the January 13, 1903 arrival of the first large wave of Korean immigrants to the U.S. It recognizes Korean Americans' contributions to U.S. society, including their economic, cultural, and military impacts, and marks the 121st anniversary of this historic migration. The resolution urges all Americans to observe Korean American Day to appreciate these contributions. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new policies or affect specific groups beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 6963, the Pediatric Cancer Drug Supply Act of 2024, creates a federal pilot program to prevent shortages of essential pediatric cancer drugs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will enter agreements with manufacturers to maintain a 6-month reserve supply of each covered drug - defined as drugs on a list developed by the Secretary that treat pediatric cancer and meet specific criteria - held in the U.S. by manufacturers. Manufacturers must store extra inventory beyond normal levels, ensure drugs have over a year of shelf life, and allow the government to audit compliance. During shortages, the Secretary can order these reserves distributed to patients, with recipients paying the government's purchase price to replenish the supply. The program is funded with $500 million for fiscal year 2024.

This resolution supports the designation of National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) during fiscal year 2024. The ACP provides subsidies to low-income households to help cover the cost of internet service and connected devices like laptops or tablets. This funding ensures the program can continue supporting eligible households throughout the year, with the money remaining available until fully spent. The bill extends existing program funding without changing eligibility criteria or service requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 6781 reauthorizes the Marine Debris Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for fiscal years 2018 through 2028. This extension ensures continued funding for efforts to reduce marine debris, such as plastic waste in oceans and coastal areas. The program directly supports coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and industries by funding cleanup initiatives and prevention strategies. The bill amends the Marine Debris Act to update the authorization period, replacing an expired timeframe with a specific 10-year window for program operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (Public Law 118-33, enacted December 26, 2023) amends the Siletz Reservation Act to preserve the existing 1980 Siletz Agreement governing hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering rights for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. It requires any future government-to-government agreements between the Tribe and Oregon to be mutually agreed upon, while prohibiting new or expanded fishing rights in the Columbia River or Willamette River (from mouth to Willamette Falls) in any successor agreements. The bill also clarifies that judicial challenges to the 1980 Consent Decree must be reviewed on the merits, without using res judicata as a defense. It does not change existing tribal rights but establishes a framework for updating agreements under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to redefine the reservation boundary as specifically the 84-acre Thompson Strip, replacing a prior description of lands within Oregon. It also prohibits the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde from using any land acquired through federal land claim settlements (including land purchased with settlement funds) for gaming under federal law. The amendment applies to the tribe's current and future land holdings related to settlement agreements. The bill explicitly states it does not affect the tribe's existing treaty rights.