Rep. Susan Wild

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for replacing insecure communication networks from $1.9 billion to $4.98 billion and allocates $3.08 billion for fiscal year 2024. It overhauls the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by requiring all providers to use the National Verifier for eligibility checks, ending eligibility based on providers' own low-income programs, and removing device subsidies. The bill also mandates new antifraud controls, requires providers to certify households won't face early termination fees, and demands a report on program effectiveness within one year. These changes directly affect low-income households receiving subsidized broadband and internet service providers participating in the ACP.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently removes a 2026 expiration date for a tax exclusion allowing employers to pay employees' student loans through educational assistance programs without those payments being counted as taxable income. It directly affects employees who receive employer-sponsored student loan repayment assistance and employers offering such programs. The key provision amends the Internal Revenue Code to make this tax exclusion permanent, applying to all future payments made after the bill's enactment. This change simplifies the tax treatment for both employers and employees participating in these student loan repayment programs.

Maddy summaryThe LET'S Protect Workers Act increases civil penalties for employers who violate labor and workplace safety laws. It significantly raises fines for child labor violations (up to $700,000 for serious injuries/deaths), wage and hour violations (up to $50,000 per violation for repeated/willful violations), and workplace safety violations (up to $800,000). The bill also increases penalties for farmworker protections (to $30,000), mine safety violations, and unfair labor practices (up to $100,000). New provisions require employers to pay penalties, with withdrawal orders for mines that fail to pay fines. These changes apply to violations occurring on or after January 1, 2025, with some provisions taking effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHRES 1346 is a procedural resolution that would allow the House to consider H.R. 7056, a bill that would protect access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) and related medical care. The bill would establish legal rights for individuals to receive fertility treatment following widely accepted medical standards, for health care providers to offer such treatment, and for insurers and manufacturers to support these services. It would prohibit state laws that limit ART access in ways inconsistent with medical standards, while allowing states to enforce regulations that align with those standards. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms allowing individuals and providers to sue states that violate these rights, and would preempt conflicting state laws with limited exceptions for certain dispute resolution and state laws that don't conflict with federal standards.

Maddy summaryThe BRAIN Act (HR 9113) establishes new research networks and funding mechanisms to advance brain tumor treatment and care. It requires the NIH to create a searchable database of brain tumor biospecimens, authorizes $50 million annually for a Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network, and allocates $10 million yearly for CAR-T cell therapy research. The bill also mandates a national awareness campaign about clinical trials and biomarker testing, and funds pilot programs to improve long-term care for brain tumor survivors. These provisions directly affect researchers, patients, healthcare providers, and survivors, with funding allocated for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Maddy summaryHR 8571, the Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2024, creates a federal grant program to cover medical costs for retired working dogs. It provides grants of up to $575,000 annually to eligible nonprofits that primarily care for qualified working dogs, including retired military and law enforcement dogs, and service dogs for veterans or retired law enforcement officers. The grants fund covered medical expenses like vet visits, procedures, and medications, directly easing financial burdens on handlers who take in these dogs after retirement. Nonprofits must meet strict criteria, including spending at least 70% of funds on medical assistance for these dogs.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHRES 1355 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors lineworkers who maintain electrical infrastructure under hazardous conditions, including during disasters, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while troubleshooting an electrical outage. The resolution encourages public recognition of these workers' contributions but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 1350 is a non-binding resolution expressing concern about lead exposure affecting approximately one-third of the world’s children (up to 800 million globally), per WHO and UNICEF data. It calls on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and relevant agencies to integrate lead exposure prevention into global health, education, and environmental programs, particularly targeting vulnerable communities in low- and middle-income countries. The resolution highlights lead’s irreversible neurological harm to children, its economic costs ($6 trillion globally), and the need for cost-effective interventions like preventing lead in consumer goods and recycling. It does not create new laws but urges existing U.S. international programs to prioritize lead prevention as part of global health and environmental efforts.

Maddy summaryHR 8988, the "Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act," expands federal law to prohibit foreign-controlled businesses from influencing U.S. elections. It bans contributions or spending by any for-profit business entity where foreign nationals own 50% or more of voting shares, or where foreign entities collectively own 5% or more (or exert control over election activities). Businesses must certify compliance before making election-related spending, including contributions to political committees, and recipients cannot reuse uncertified funds for further election activities. This bill directly affects foreign-owned corporations, partnerships, and similar entities seeking to participate in U.S. elections.