Rep. Jake Ellzey

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve data collection and analysis of suicides and suicide attempts by veterans occurring on VA property (e.g., at medical centers or facilities). It creates a cross-departmental working group - including staff from mental health, health care, benefits, and cemetery offices - to conduct root cause analyses, interview families, and standardize data collection through updated reports and a unified management system. The program requires annual briefings to Congress on findings and mandates annual VA reports starting in 2025 to track trends and recommend prevention strategies. Additionally, it directs the Comptroller General to assess the VA’s suicide prevention efforts, including staffing, policies, and organizational structure.

Maddy summaryHRES 875 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for National Adoption Day (November 18, 2023) and National Adoption Month (November). It does not create new laws or policies but formally encourages the public to consider adoption and recognizes the importance of permanent families for children in foster care. The resolution highlights that approximately 114,000 children in the U.S. foster system await adoption and emphasizes the goal of securing safety and permanency for all children. It urges Americans to support adoption efforts during November and throughout the year. This resolution has no direct legal effect on adoption processes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.

This resolution honors the service, sacrifice, and contributions of Texas veterans and their families. The resolution also expresses that the House of Representatives commits to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that veterans are provided timely care and applicable benefits and compensation as a result of their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the remains of a Medal of Honor recipient to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, but only at the request of their primary surviving next of kin. The Architect of the Capitol, working under the Speaker and President pro tempore, would arrange the timing and logistics, including verifying the next of kin's status. It applies to Medal of Honor recipients who die on or after the bill's enactment date. The policy change creates a formal process for this ceremonial honor, without altering military award criteria or requiring new funding.

Maddy summaryHR 6383 prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using federal funds to implement or enforce a "remain in Texas policy." This policy would require migrants released by DHS or HHS to stay in Texas after entering the U.S. The bill's key mechanism is a funding ban, blocking DHS from enforcing such requirements without congressional approval. It directly affects migrants subject to release by DHS/HHS and DHS operations. The policy change is purely procedural, restricting how federal funds can be used for migration management in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize the U.S. government to confiscate Russian sovereign assets held in U.S. jurisdiction and use those funds to support Ukraine's reconstruction and humanitarian needs following Russia's invasion. It prohibits releasing these blocked assets until Russia fully compensates Ukraine or agrees to an international compensation mechanism. The bill establishes a "Ukraine Support Fund" to hold confiscated assets and requires regular congressional reporting on how these funds are allocated for Ukraine's recovery. It also includes provisions for international coordination with allies on sanctions and asset management related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Maddy summaryThe SHIP Act imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly handle Iranian petroleum, targeting those involved in port operations, transportation, refining, or ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil. Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must block assets, deny visas, and impose penalties on individuals or companies engaging in these activities, including family members or owners of sanctioned entities. It requires annual reports tracking Iran's oil exports, revenues, and key players like shipping companies and ports. The sanctions terminate if the President certifies Iran has stopped supporting terrorism and dismantled weapons programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, clinics, or related entities. It directs that funds previously allocated to Planned Parenthood must instead support other providers - including community health centers, hospitals, and clinics - that offer women’s health services like contraception, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce overall federal funding for women’s health care or affect existing abortion-related funding restrictions in appropriations laws. It ensures continued access to these services through alternative providers, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 796 is a non-binding House resolution condemning foreign nationals in the U.S. who have endorsed or supported Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or other designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It calls on the President to enforce existing immigration law (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(i)(VII)) to revoke visas and initiate deportation for such individuals. The resolution affirms that terrorism by these groups cannot be equated with Israel’s self-defense actions and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism. It does not create new laws but urges enforcement of current visa restrictions for those endorsing FTOs. The resolution references the Oct. 7 attacks that killed 1,300 Israelis and 30 U.S. citizens, as cited in the resolution’s preamble.