Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Maddy summaryHR 9144, the Let America Vote Act, requires states to allow voters not registered with a political party (unaffiliated voters) to participate in any primary election for federal, state, or local office - though they cannot vote in primaries for more than one party. It also prohibits states from sharing unaffiliated voters' personal information with political parties or marking them as affiliated with a party solely based on their primary vote. Additionally, the bill bans noncitizens from voting in any taxpayer-funded election for public office and ties federal election administration funding to state compliance with these rules. States must certify adherence to these provisions to receive federal funds for election administration.

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes a House task force to investigate the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The task force, composed of up to 11 members appointed by the Speaker (with minority leader input), will examine actions by federal, state, local, and private entities related to the incident and must issue a final report with recommendations by December 13, 2024. It has standing committee authority to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, and access relevant records, and will terminate 10 days after submitting its report. The task force directly affects the House of Representatives and the entities under investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows non-VA doctors (contract physicians) to conduct disability exams for veterans, expanding access for rural veterans who face travel barriers to VA facilities. It requires these doctors to hold current state licenses, not be barred from practice, and perform exams under VA contracts. The VA would cover costs through existing benefit funding, and the bill terminates a 1996 pilot program on this approach. The law directly affects veterans seeking disability benefits and the VA’s examination process, making it more flexible for rural communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a section of law governing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee compensation to clarify that disputes over whether an employee received the correct pay amount under existing rules are not considered "adjustment of compensation" under the statute. It specifically excludes grievances challenging pay accuracy from the definition of "establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation." The change directly affects VA employees covered under Section 7421(b) who might file such pay-related grievances. The bill makes a technical clarification to streamline how these disputes are categorized within VA's compensation process.

Maddy summaryHRES 1355 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors lineworkers who maintain electrical infrastructure under hazardous conditions, including during disasters, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while troubleshooting an electrical outage. The resolution encourages public recognition of these workers' contributions but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 8988, the "Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act," expands federal law to prohibit foreign-controlled businesses from influencing U.S. elections. It bans contributions or spending by any for-profit business entity where foreign nationals own 50% or more of voting shares, or where foreign entities collectively own 5% or more (or exert control over election activities). Businesses must certify compliance before making election-related spending, including contributions to political committees, and recipients cannot reuse uncertified funds for further election activities. This bill directly affects foreign-owned corporations, partnerships, and similar entities seeking to participate in U.S. elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 2365, Public Law 118-66) directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Parkinson’s Project. It requires HHS to create and update a coordinated national plan for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and researching Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy), while coordinating federal research and care efforts across agencies like the NIH, CDC, and VA. The law mandates annual progress assessments, an advisory council with patient advocates and diverse experts, and annual reports to Congress on federal Parkinson’s programs and recommendations for improvement. It affects federal agencies managing Parkinson’s-related programs and aims to improve care coordination and research efficiency for patients and caregivers, with the law sunsetting in 2035.

Maddy summaryThis bill enhances the federal tax credit for employers providing paid family and medical leave. It gives eligible employers two options to calculate the credit: either a percentage of wages paid to employees on leave, or a percentage of insurance premiums paid for leave coverage. Crucially, it clarifies that state-mandated paid leave does not count toward the credit amount. The bill also requires the Small Business Administration and IRS to provide outreach and resources to help employers understand and access the credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to National Guard members who perform specific full-time duty. It amends eligibility rules to include service on "full-time National Guard duty" (as defined in Title 32) and "active duty" (as defined in Title 32), which previously did not count toward full benefits. The change applies retroactively to service since September 11, 2001, and takes effect one year after enactment. This directly affects National Guard members serving in these specific full-time roles, granting them parity with other veterans for educational benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 8718 would temporarily block new commercial offshore wind projects in the Columbia Management Area (a specific ocean zone off the Pacific Northwest coast) until a federal study confirms they won’t harm marine life, fisheries, tribal resources, or coastal communities. The bill requires the Comptroller General to assess whether current environmental reviews by agencies like the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management adequately protect marine mammals, shellfish aquaculture, fishing industries, cultural sites, and essential fish habitat. No permits for wind energy development could be issued without this study’s findings showing no significant adverse impacts. The bill directly affects wind energy developers and federal agencies managing ocean resources, imposing a conditional pause on projects pending the study’s completion.