Rep. Joe Wilson

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to implement the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) as outlined in a 2019 policy memo. It requires migrants seeking asylum at the U.S. border to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed, rather than being allowed to stay in the U.S. pending a hearing. The bill does not create new rules but mandates the reinstatement of a policy that was previously in effect from 2019 to 2021. This would directly affect asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. The policy change would apply to all migrants covered by the existing MPP framework.

Legal Workforce Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify. The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents. Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-Verify. The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers. Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the system. The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different sizes and categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes Russian actions in Ukraine as genocide, based on documented atrocities including mass killings, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, deliberate deprivation of necessities, and forced transfers of Ukrainians. It directly affects Ukraine as the targeted group and calls on the U.S. government to support Ukraine with allies and back international tribunals. The resolution condemns Russia for these acts, urges U.S. action to prevent further genocide, and supports holding Russian leaders accountable. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it has no legal force but expresses congressional stance. It aligns with the Genocide Convention's definition of genocide through specific evidence cited in the text.

Stopping Border Surges Act This bill modifies immigration law provisions relating to unaccompanied alien minors and to asylum seekers. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to repatriate certain unaccompanied, inadmissible alien children, generally those not at risk of being trafficking victims nor having a fear of persecution. Currently, only inadmissible unaccompanied aliens from neighboring countries are subject to repatriation, and DHS has discretion whether to repatriate. When the Department of Health and Human Services releases an unaccompanied child to an individual, it shall provide DHS with certain information about that individual, including Social Security number and immigration status. The bill requires a stricter standard to find a credible fear of persecution and imposes additional rules on credible fear interviews. If an alien is granted asylum because of fear of persecution in a country, the alien shall be deemed to have renounced asylum status by returning to that country, if there has been no change in the country's conditions. The bill also (1) expands the definition of what constitutes a frivolous asylum application, (2) imposes additional limitations on eligibility for asylum, (3) shortens the deadline for applying for asylum, and (4) extends the time period an alien seeking asylum must wait before receiving employment authorization. Any individual who knowingly and willfully makes materially false statements or uses fraudulent documents in asylum-related proceedings shall be fined or imprisoned up to 10 years, or both.

Maddy summaryHR 174 adds new grounds for inadmissibility and deportability related to specific fraud offenses. It targets non-citizens convicted of, or admitting to, Social Security fraud (using false account numbers/cards), identification document fraud, or fraud involving pandemic-era loans or grants (like those under the Small Business Act or American Rescue Plan). The bill amends immigration law to make such individuals ineligible for entry into the U.S. or subject to removal. It directly affects non-citizens who commit these defined offenses, not general fraud cases. The policy change is limited to these specific fraud categories tied to federal pandemic programs and Social Security/ID documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to establish "Election Day" as an official federal holiday, adding it to the list of recognized holidays for federal employees. It directly affects federal workers by designating Election Day (the Tuesday following the first Monday in November) as a day when federal offices close. The key mechanism is a simple insertion into the existing list of federal holidays under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. This change does not alter voting procedures or create new voting requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 45 (FIND Act) requires federal government contractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm businesses (including manufacturers, dealers, and trade associations) in their policies or practices. The bill mandates that contractors and subcontractors (for contracts over 10% of the prime contract value) certify they have no discriminatory policies and will not adopt them during the contract term. Violations could lead to contract termination and potential debarment. This applies to all federal procurement contracts awarded after the bill's enactment, excluding sole-source contracts. The law aims to ensure firearm businesses are treated equally in government contracting without restricting legitimate business criteria like creditworthiness or legal compliance.

Maddy summaryHR 6188, enacted as Public Law 118-219 on January 2, 2025, designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 420 Highway 17 North in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, as the "Nancy Yount Childs Post Office Building." This bill changes the official name of the building for all federal references, including maps, documents, and records. It does not alter postal services, operations, or funding, as it is a commemorative naming resolution honoring Nancy Yount Childs. The bill was passed by the House on June 3, 2024, and by the Senate on December 19, 2024.

Maddy summaryThe Education and Workforce Freedom Act would expand the use of 529 college savings accounts to cover more education and training costs. It allows these accounts to pay for K-12 tuition at public, private, or religious schools, homeschooling, and related expenses like curriculum materials, tutoring, and educational therapies. The bill also adds coverage for recognized job training programs and professional certifications, including test fees and course costs for credentials listed by states or the Department of Veterans Affairs. These changes would directly affect families using 529 accounts for K-12 education and individuals pursuing career-focused training through approved programs.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges and universities to publicly report hazing incidents involving student organizations. It defines hazing as intentional acts causing physical or psychological harm during initiation or membership in student groups, including activities like forced substance consumption, sleep deprivation, or sexual acts. Institutions must include hazing statistics in annual security reports and publish a "Campus Hazing Transparency Report" on their websites by July 1, 2025, detailing findings about organizations violating hazing policies. The reports must include organization names, violation descriptions, and key dates while excluding personally identifiable student information. This applies to all colleges participating in federal student aid programs.