Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

This resolution expresses unwavering support for Israel and a readiness to consider urgent requests for additional assistance to Israel to defend its people and sovereignty. The resolution also states that (1) Israel is entitled to act in self-defense against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and associated forces, as well as their state sponsors; and (2) the cross-border attacks and kidnappings against Israel constitute acts of international terrorism and aggression.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryHR 6001 designates Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad as "qualified hazardous duty areas" for tax purposes, treating military service there as if performed in a combat zone. This bill directly affects members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving in those countries, granting them access to specific tax benefits previously reserved for combat zones. Key provisions include excluding combat pay from income tax, providing death benefit protections, and allowing tax filing extensions similar to those for service in active combat zones. The change applies to military members eligible for hostile fire pay under Section 310 of Title 37, U.S. Code, during the period such eligibility exists. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week" to recognize the growing role of clean energy in the U.S. economy. It expresses support for clean energy jobs and innovation, noting the sector employed about 8.1 million people in 2022. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local investment in affordable clean energy technologies and promotes "commonsense solutions" for energy needs. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal force or funding implications - it simply urges recognition of clean energy's economic and environmental contributions.

Maddy summaryHJRES 11 proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit Members of Congress to serving a maximum of three terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the Senate. If passed and ratified, it would prevent any member who has already served the maximum terms from running for re-election, including time spent filling vacancies (for more than one year in the House or three years in the Senate). This amendment directly affects current and future members of Congress by changing eligibility rules for re-election. The proposal is currently a joint resolution in the House, requiring ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHR 5641, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and their support staff continue receiving pay during fiscal year 2024 if Congress fails to pass regular budget appropriations. It appropriates existing Treasury funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, reserve components, and civilian employees or contractors supporting military operations. The bill automatically terminates on January 1, 2025, or earlier if Congress enacts a regular budget or continuing resolution. This provision directly affects service members, Department of Defense staff, and Coast Guard personnel (when not under the Navy) during budget implementation gaps.

Maddy summaryHR 5598, the TREAT Youth Act, extends federal funding for youth prevention and recovery programs by updating the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. It amends Section 7102(c)(9) to change the funding period from fiscal years 2019-2023 to 2024-2028. This directly affects existing grant programs supporting youth substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The bill makes a concrete, time-bound policy change without altering program requirements or creating new initiatives.

Maddy summaryHRES 720 designates the week of September 24-30, 2023 (and annually thereafter) as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week" to honor families who have lost loved ones in military service. It specifically recognizes the sacrifices of families of fallen service members and veterans, and encourages Americans to observe the week through community service and celebrating the lives of those who died protecting the nation. This resolution is procedural and symbolic, with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes - only a formal designation to honor these families. It directly affects Gold Star families (those with members who died in military service) and the broader public through its call for observance.

Maddy summaryThe World LEAP Act creates a federal grant program to support world language and dual language education in K-12 schools, directly affecting local school districts and their students. It authorizes $15 million annually to fund competitive grants for school districts to establish or improve language programs, requiring grantees to reserve 20% of funds for teacher certification pathways and professional development, and 5% for program evaluation. The program prioritizes applications that partner with community heritage language schools, serve diverse students including English learners and heritage learners, and include sustainability plans beyond the grant period. Grantees must report annually on student enrollment, certified teacher numbers, and community support to measure program impact.