Rep. Robert J. Wittman

This resolution affirms the House of Representatives' obligation to fulfill the promises made to senior citizens of the United States regarding access to Medicare and Social Security. It also rejects any changes to Medicare or Social Security that diminish benefits for Americans currently enrolled, or soon to be enrolled, in the Medicare program or the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. The resolution also expresses the House's commitment that these programs should be strengthened and preserved, and expresses support for efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs.

Maddy summaryHR 621, the PART Act, requires catalytic converters on vehicles to be stamped with a visible vehicle identification number (VIN) using special high-visibility paint to deter theft. It creates a federal grant program to help auto dealers, repair shops, and law enforcement implement this stamping at no cost to vehicle owners. The bill also mandates that sellers of catalytic converters retain buyer identification and vehicle details for two years, and adds new federal criminal penalties for stealing or trafficking in catalytic converters.

This resolution recognizes that current retirees and those nearing retirement expect certain Social Security commitments to be made. It further expresses the policy of the House of Representatives to exclude cuts to Social Security from debt ceiling negotiations.

Maddy summaryHR 887, the Securing Our Students Act, allows public and private schools to use unused funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) for specific school safety improvements. Public schools (via state subgrants) and private schools (via governors) can amend their applications to include safety measures like bulletproof windows, metal detectors, security personnel, and crisis communication systems. Schools must submit evidence-based plans detailing how these measures address safety needs and include professional development requirements. States and governors must report the percentage of ARP funds used for these safety purposes, ensuring transparency in how the funds are applied.

Maddy summaryThe REEF Act requires the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress 90 days before retiring any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing. It also states that Congress believes the Navy should actively seek opportunities to repurpose such vessels for environmental benefits through artificial reefs. This bill does not change retirement procedures but mandates a formal notification process to inform Congress about potential reefing options for eligible vessels.

Maddy summaryHRES 110 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of "Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month" to recognize CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand careers. It encourages educators, school counselors, and parents to promote CTE as a respected pathway for students seeking credentials in fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The resolution highlights CTE's benefits, including reducing high school dropout rates and aligning education with workforce needs, without creating new funding or policy changes. It directly affects schools, educators, and students by affirming CTE's value in workforce development.

Maddy summaryHRES 109 is a non-binding resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 8, 2023, expressing the House's sense that Social Security should be preserved and protected for current beneficiaries (over 66 million Americans) and future generations. It does not create new laws or alter existing Social Security policies but serves as a symbolic statement of support for the program. The resolution emphasizes Social Security's role in providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits while referencing concerns about inflation's impact on beneficiaries. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect on Social Security funding or benefits.

Maddy summaryThe BRAVE Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a new system that proactively offers mental health resources to eligible veterans. It specifically targets veterans enrolled in VA care who have experienced traumatic or highly stressful events, allowing them to opt-in to receive information about available mental health services. The system must coordinate with the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program and be fully implemented within two years of the bill's enactment. This changes VA's outreach approach by making mental health support more accessible after critical life events. The bill directly affects veterans who qualify under these criteria, not broader populations.

Modern GI Bill Act This bill authorizes individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to apply amounts of such assistance to repay federal student loans for up to 36 months. The bill sets a cap and annual cost-of-living increases for the amount of educational assistance that may be paid to an individual under this bill during FY2024 and the following years.

Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act or the PISTOL Act This bill modifies the definition of rifle for purposes of the National Firearms Act to exclude from such definition a pistol equipped with a rear brace or rear attachment designed to assist the shooter in controlling the pistol. The bill also directs the Department of Justice to amend applicable regulations governing pistols to provide that the presence or absence of rear mounted braces or attachments that can assist a user in controlling the pistol shall not cause a firearm to be considered a pistol.