Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) to coordinate joint research projects on shared priorities like biofuels, AI for farming, energy-water systems, and carbon storage. It mandates a formal agreement between the departments to fund collaborative projects through competitive grants open to universities, labs, and industry. The departments must report to Congress within two years on their coordination efforts, research achievements, and future opportunities. This affects how DOE and USDA manage their research partnerships, not direct public policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Never Again Education program, which funds Holocaust education initiatives in schools. It extends the program's funding authorization period from ending after four fiscal years to continuing annually through fiscal year 2030. The bill modifies the existing law (Public Law 116-141) by updating the funding timeline without changing program requirements or eligibility. It directly affects the existing grant program supporting educational materials and teacher training on the Holocaust. The change ensures continued federal funding for these specific educational efforts until 2030.

Maddy summaryThe Farmland Security Act of 2023 amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to strengthen oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. It increases civil penalties for foreign-owned shell corporations (defined as entities with no real operations) to 100% of the land's fair market value and requires these entities to correct filings within 60 days to avoid penalties. The bill mandates annual audits of 10% of foreign land ownership reports and directs the Secretary to conduct annual research on foreign agricultural leasing, land purchases by shell corporations, and impacts on family farms. It also requires annual reports to Congress on these findings and authorizes $2 million yearly for implementation through fiscal year 2028.

Maddy summaryHR 6433, the PARA-EMT Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to address critical shortages in emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. It authorizes $50 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to EMS agencies to fund recruitment, training, and retention programs - including initiatives for veterans, rural communities, and youth - while requiring 20% of grants to support rural agencies. The bill also establishes a separate $20 million annual grant program to help veterans with military EMS training meet civilian certification requirements and mandates a federal study on projected EMS workforce needs through 2032. These provisions directly affect EMS agencies, training programs, and veterans seeking civilian EMS careers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning November 13, 2023, as "National Apprenticeship Week" through symbolic congressional support. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the value of registered apprenticeships in providing paid on-the-job training, industry credentials, and career pathways. The resolution highlights apprenticeships' role in developing skilled workers, supporting high-wage sectors like healthcare and green energy, and promoting diversity in training opportunities. It aims to increase public awareness of apprenticeships as an effective "earn-and-learn" model for workers and employers.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act of 2023 prohibits "pay-for-delay" agreements between brand-name drug manufacturers (NDA/BLA holders) and generic drug applicants (subsequent filers) that delay market entry of lower-cost alternatives. It bans arrangements where generic companies receive value from brand-name companies in exchange for limiting or delaying their development, manufacturing, marketing, or sales of generic drugs. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these provisions as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law, with specific filing requirements for such agreements and a provision to forfeit 180-day exclusivity periods if violations occur. This legislation aims to increase competition in the generic drug market, potentially lowering drug prices for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the VA calculates benefits for veterans with health conditions linked to military sexual trauma. It requires the VA to start paying retroactive benefits from the day after a veteran's military discharge, rather than from the claim filing date. This directly affects veterans diagnosed with covered mental or physical health conditions resulting from military sexual trauma. The key provision amends VA law to mandate retroactive payments beginning at discharge, ensuring veterans receive compensation for the full period they were discharged until the claim is approved. It does not alter eligibility but changes the effective date for payment calculations.

Maddy summaryThe Helping Heroes Act of 2023 establishes a new Family Support Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to connect eligible veterans and their families with supportive services. It requires each VA medical center to appoint at least one family coordinator (with social work qualifications) to assess family needs and link them to services like mental health support, education assistance, workforce training, and after-school programs. The program, funded by VA appropriations, will partner with non-VA entities through contracts or grants, and mandates annual reporting on service recipients, demographics, and outcomes. The bill also requires VA to conduct annual surveys of disabled veterans' families and integrate support information into military transition programs.

Remote Seafood Employee Meals Tax Parity Act This bill provides that the 50% limitation on the tax deduction for business meals shall not apply to meals provided on certain fishing vessels or at certain fish processing facilities.

Maddy summaryHR 6281, the Stop COYOTES Act, increases penalties for certain crimes involving minors committed near schools, youth facilities, or parks. It adds up to 10 years of consecutive imprisonment for offenders who commit specified federal crimes (like trafficking or assault) within 1,000 feet of schools or 100 feet of youth centers, in addition to their original sentence. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to share border-related data - including human trafficking, smuggling, and gang activity - with state and local law enforcement near the U.S. border, and to submit biannual reports to Congress on this information. These provisions directly affect individuals convicted of crimes near child-occupied areas and border enforcement agencies.