Rep. Christopher R. Deluzio

Maddy summaryHR 9961, the Rail Passenger Fairness Act, amends federal law to allow Amtrak to directly sue in federal court to enforce its statutory right to priority over freight trains on shared rail lines. Currently, only the Attorney General can initiate such enforcement actions, and this power has rarely been used (only one case in Amtrak's history). The bill addresses documented issues where host railroads routinely prioritize freight, causing significant delays - 3.2 million minutes of delay for Amtrak passengers in 2019 due to freight interference. By enabling Amtrak to seek equitable relief directly, the bill aims to improve on-time performance, which could save Amtrak millions annually in operational costs. This change targets the enforcement mechanism of an existing right, not the right itself.

Maddy summaryHR 9987 establishes a nonpartisan 8-member commission to study the feasibility of creating a National Museum of Italian American History and Culture in Washington, DC. The commission, appointed by congressional leaders, will analyze costs, location options, potential relationships with the Smithsonian Institution, and develop a fundraising plan to operate the museum without federal funding. It must submit detailed reports to Congress within 18 months, covering collection needs, impact on existing museums, governance, and long-term financial sustainability. This bill directly affects Italian American communities and cultural institutions by initiating a formal evaluation of a potential museum, but does not authorize construction or funding. The commission’s work will inform future legislative decisions if the museum is deemed feasible.

Maddy summaryHRES 1537 is a non-binding House resolution condemning Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, including 7 Americans still held captive. It calls on Hamas to immediately surrender, cease attacks, and release all hostages unconditionally, while reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense. The resolution also urges international organizations to condemn Hamas' actions and address the global surge in antisemitism following the attacks. As a symbolic statement, it does not create new laws or alter policy but expresses congressional position. The bill specifically references the ongoing captivity of seven U.S. citizens: Edan Alexander, Itay Chen, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judith Weinstein Haggai, Omer Neutra, and Keith Siegel.

Maddy summaryHRES 1524 is a non-binding resolution urging the American public to observe October 2024 as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month. It recognizes the historical contributions of Italian and Italian-American people to the U.S. in fields like science, arts, and leadership, and encourages communities to hold events celebrating this heritage. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements - it simply calls for voluntary observance. It directly affects the general public by inviting participation in commemorative activities during October 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 23-29, 2024, as "See Tracks? Think Train! Week" in the United States. It expresses congressional support for the existing public awareness campaign run by Operation Lifesaver, which aims to reduce highway-rail grade crossing incidents, fatalities, and injuries through education and safety awareness. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages public participation in safety activities during this designated week. It references 2023 data showing 2,192 grade-crossing incidents resulting in 247 deaths, highlighting the campaign's focus on preventing preventable rail-related tragedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it illegal to intimidate election workers while they perform duties like vote counting, tabulation, or certification during federal elections. It creates a legal presumption that carrying visible firearms (including realistic replicas) near voters or election workers constitutes intimidation, unless proven otherwise. The law applies to actual firearms, imitation firearms, and antique firearms that could reasonably be mistaken for real weapons. Courts can also impose temporary restrictions on firearm carrying in related cases to protect election workers and voters.

Maddy summaryHR 3169, the Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2023, requires the Department of Homeland Security to inspect internet-connected foreign cranes deemed high-risk for security threats before they are used at U.S. ports. It mandates a threat assessment of existing and new cranes within 180 days of enactment and orders cranes posing security risks to be taken offline until certified safe. The bill prohibits operating new foreign cranes (from "covered foreign countries" like those identified as adversaries by U.S. intelligence) after enactment and bans the use of foreign software on port cranes after a 5-year deadline. This directly affects port operators and crane manufacturers from countries designated as security threats, focusing on securing port cyber infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHR 1719, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, establishes a presumption that certain cancers diagnosed in public safety officers (like police and firefighters) are work-related if linked to their duties. It defines 22 specific cancers (including lung, mesothelioma, and WTC-related cancers) as "exposure-related," allowing officers or their families to receive benefits without proving direct work connection, provided they were diagnosed within 15 years of leaving active service. The bill also creates a process for adding new cancers to the list based on scientific evidence, requiring the Bureau to review petitions and make decisions within 180 days. This applies to deaths or disabilities occurring on or after January 1, 2023, directly affecting officers who developed covered cancers during service.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 130 is a symbolic concurrent resolution commending state and local governments that treat reproductive rights as human rights following the *Dobbs* decision. It recognizes efforts by cities like Austin, Texas, and Montgomery County, Maryland, to expand abortion access and condemn criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. The resolution affirms that reproductive rights are human rights, urges states to repeal restrictive laws, and references U.S. obligations under international human rights treaties. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.