Rep. Monica De La Cruz

Maddy summaryHRES 1574 is a non-binding House resolution calling for the immediate removal of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg. It cites concerns about his leadership, including alleged mistreatment of staff, a "toxic workplace," staffing shortages, and failures in bank supervision that contributed to financial institution failures. The resolution does not change law or remove Gruenberg (as the President appoints FDIC leaders), but formally demands his removal. It was introduced by 25 Republican representatives and referred to the Financial Services Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how Social Security benefits are calculated for public servants who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security (such as many state and local government positions). It replaces the current Windfall Elimination Provision with a new formula that accounts for both covered and noncovered earnings when calculating benefits, rather than reducing benefits based on noncovered employment. The bill would provide additional monthly payments of $100 for some affected individuals and $50 for others, starting 270 days after enactment. It also requires Social Security account statements to show noncovered earnings and directs the Social Security Administration to study ways to improve information sharing with state pension systems about noncovered pensions. The changes would apply to benefits payable starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides one-time financial assistance to U.S. farmers growing specific crops (like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice) during the 2024 crop year if their expected costs exceed expected returns. Payments equal 60% of the difference between the expected cost of production per acre (based on USDA cost forecasts) and the expected gross return per acre (based on projected farm prices and yields). Payments are calculated using actual planted acreage plus 50% of acreage prevented from planting due to natural disasters, with annual caps of $175,000 or $350,000 depending on the farm’s primary income source. The program uses existing USDA data sources and applies standard farm payment limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges and universities receiving federal education funds to provide opioid overdose rescue kits containing naloxone (Narcan) in all classrooms, libraries, dorms, labs, and other student-use facilities. Institutions must register kit locations with campus health centers, replace expired kits, and train new students during orientation. The law applies only to public institutions covered by the Higher Education Act of 1965, mandating concrete safety measures without creating new federal spending. It directly affects campus health protocols and emergency response capabilities at participating colleges.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how disability benefits are treated for homeless disabled veterans seeking housing assistance. It excludes certain disability payments (under Chapter 11 or 15 of Title 38, U.S. Code) from income calculations when determining eligibility for HUD-assisted housing programs, including the supported housing program under Section 8(o)(19) and housing on Department property. Specifically, it ensures these benefits are not counted toward income for housing eligibility, though they still count for "adjusted income" definitions. The bill directly affects disabled veterans applying for HUD housing assistance who receive these specific disability benefits. It makes a concrete change to income calculation rules without altering benefit amounts or creating new funding.

Maddy summaryHR 10039, the Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, continues federal funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) through fiscal years 2025-2029. It sets specific annual funding levels: $37.3 million for 2025, increasing to $57.3 million by 2029. This funding directly supports community-based programs that help adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes prevent or delay the disease through lifestyle changes. The bill does not create new program requirements but ensures consistent financial support for existing diabetes prevention services nationwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula, a Marine killed in Iraq in 2004, in recognition of his service. It directs the U.S. Mint to produce the medal (with bronze duplicates available for sale) and specifies that proceeds from bronze sales will fund the medal production. The medal serves as a commemorative honor for Sekula, who was the first Edinburg, Texas native killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bill does not create new policy or affect any group beyond the Sekula family and the U.S. Mint.

Maddy summaryThe Water Delivery Transparency Act requires the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to seek input from Texas stakeholders - including agricultural producers, government entities, and irrigation districts - when drafting minutes about the 1944 Rio Grande water treaty. Key mechanisms include holding at least five public forums (three in the Rio Grande Valley), establishing an online submission portal, and publishing a detailed report within 180 days summarizing input and how it will shape the draft minutes. This process aims to increase transparency in decisions affecting shared water resources along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill directly impacts Texas water users and local governments involved in Rio Grande water management.

Maddy summaryHR 9950, the "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act," authorizes three gold medals to be awarded to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team for their historic victory over the Soviet Union during the Winter Olympics. The medals, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be presented by Congress to honor the team's achievement, which revitalized American morale during the Cold War. One medal will be displayed at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, one at the USA Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, and one at the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs. This is a ceremonial honor, not a policy change, directly recognizing the team members and their legacy.

Maddy summaryHR 8119, the PEARL Act, establishes a 3-year pilot program at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt therapy dogs from local animal shelters for emotional support of CBP personnel. The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to create the program within 60 days of enactment, train shelter dogs as therapy dogs, and reimburse CBP for related costs. It also authorizes $1,000,000 for CBP's existing Support Canine Program. The bill directly affects CBP officers and staff by introducing a new emotional wellness resource through therapy dog interactions.