Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2023 This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to create a threat assessment on how terrorists and foreign actors use cyber harassment - including doxing - to threaten individuals. The assessment must detail tactics, notable incidents, and risk indicators for law enforcement, while coordinating with privacy offices. It requires DHS to share the report with Congress within 180 days and publish it online, with state/local law enforcement receiving it via fusion centers. The bill does not create new laws or penalties but focuses on information gathering about existing threats. (Procedural bill; summary limited to key action and scope.)
Maddy summaryHR 3416, the Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2023, funds after-school and summer programs for youth aged 6-18 (including those in underserved communities) to build job skills and career pathways. It requires grants to community-based organizations partnering with employers, schools, and local agencies to provide career exploration, mentorship, work-based learning, and job training aligned with local industry needs. The program must track outcomes like school attendance, skill development, and job placement, with $100 million authorized annually for 2024-2028. It directly affects youth, community organizations, and local workforce boards through structured, measurable workforce readiness services.
Maddy summaryHRES 363 is a resolution expressing support for recognizing National Police Week, an annual observance established by law to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The resolution acknowledges 556 officers killed in the line of duty during 2022 and calls for ensuring law enforcement officers have necessary equipment, training, and resources to protect both themselves and the public. It encourages the American public to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and recognizing their essential mission in serving communities across the United States. This resolution does not create new law but formally expresses congressional support for an existing observance.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends eligibility for the WIC nutrition program to new mothers for 24 months after childbirth (up from six months) and extends breastfeeding support periods to 24 months (up from one year). It directly affects new mothers and infants who rely on WIC for nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and health services. Key provisions include amending the Child Nutrition Act to lengthen these benefit periods and requiring a report within two years evaluating health outcomes, breastfeeding rates, and family experiences. The report must assess impacts on maternal/infant health, racial disparities, and program effectiveness. This is a substantive policy change focused on improving access to critical postpartum support.
Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act This bill establishes new requirements related to grants, programs, and reports to improve the treatment and care of pregnant and postpartum women who are incarcerated. Specifically, the bill requires the following: states must restrict the use of restraints on pregnant women in prison in order to receive full funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program; the Bureau of Prisons must establish programs to optimize maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women in federal prisons; the Bureau of Justice Assistance must award state grants for programs to support pregnant and postpartum women in state and local prisons and jails; and the Government Accountability Office must report on adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among incarcerated individuals and infants born to such individuals, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities.
Maddy summaryThe FIGHT Act (HR 2742) amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically target animal fighting events, such as cockfighting, by defining "rooster" as any male chicken over six months old and banning the live broadcasting (simulcasting) of such events. It prohibits using the postal service or interstate transport to move roosters for animal fighting purposes and adds civil enforcement tools allowing citizens to sue violators after a 60-day notice period. Fines up to $5,000 per violation may be imposed, and property used in animal fighting ventures can be seized. These changes strengthen enforcement against animal fighting by expanding legal remedies for the public and authorities.
Maddy summaryHR 2719 establishes a competitive grant program to help farmers adopt climate-friendly agricultural practices. The bill authorizes $13 million annually for 4-year grants (capped at $400,000 per institution) to eligible land-grant colleges (including historically Black and tribal colleges). These institutions must partner with groups like nonprofits or state agencies to increase outreach to farmers by 25%, host workshops, provide technical assistance, and fund soil testing - while limiting administrative costs to 30% of grant funds. The program directly affects participating colleges and the farmers they assist, focusing on practices that improve soil health, reduce emissions, and enhance water management.
Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2023 amends the Horse Protection Act to ban specific devices used to cause pain (soring) in horses at shows, particularly affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses. It defines prohibited "action devices" (like boots or chains causing friction) and requires licensed, conflict-free inspectors at events to enforce rules. The bill increases penalties for violations to up to $5,000 fines or 3 years in jail, and mandates longer disqualifications for repeat offenses (180 days → 1 year → 3 years). Horse show organizers, exhibitors, and participants must comply with these new inspection and penalty requirements.
Maddy summaryHR 3228 establishes the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program to expand the workforce of school-based mental health providers. It authorizes the Education Secretary to partner with eligible graduate schools (offering accredited programs in school counseling, psychology, or social work) to cover up to 50% of participating students' tuition costs, with schools matching that contribution. The program prioritizes students who received Federal Pell Grants or attended certain institutions as undergraduates. It directly affects graduate students in school-based mental health fields and participating institutions, aiming to increase the pipeline of licensed providers for schools.
