Rep. Derek Kilmer

Child Care Investment Act of 2023 This bill increases the employer-provided child care tax credit, the amount excludable from gross income for dependent care flexible spending accounts, and makes the household and dependent care tax credit refundable. Among other provisions, the bill increases the rate of the employer-provided child care tax credit from 25% to 50% and increases the maximum credit amount from $150,000 to $500,000. It also increases (1) the pre-tax deduction for dependent care flexible spending accounts from $5,000 to $10,000, plus an additional $2,000 for each eligible dependent; and (2) the rate of the household and dependent care tax credit and makes such credit refundable.

Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act This bill authorizes humanitarian assistance to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to clear landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Under the bill, the President may, from FY2024 through FY2029, provide humanitarian assistance to (1) develop national surveys of landmines and other explosive remnants of war; (2) clear such explosive remnants of war; (3) manage stockpiles of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition; (4) build capacity and improve physical security related to such explosive remnants of war; and (5) support survivors of incidents involving such explosive remnants of war, including by providing related medical assistance and prosthetic devices. The bill also requires the President to report to Congress about any assistance provided.

Maddy summaryHR 4550 creates a federal grant program to help public elementary, secondary, and preschool schools recruit and retain paraprofessionals (school support staff like teaching assistants). The bill directs the Secretary of Education to fund state education agencies, which then distribute subgrants to schools - prioritizing those serving high numbers of low-income students - to support activities like mentoring programs, professional development, and wage increases or certification assistance (e.g., for special education or English learner support). States must report annually on wage baselines, paraprofessional numbers, and program outcomes. This bill directly affects schools and paraprofessionals, with funding authorized for fiscal years 2024-2028.

Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2023 would increase transparency in political spending by requiring organizations making campaign-related disbursements over $10,000 to disclose the names and addresses of their major donors, including the top five funders for political communications. It would close loopholes allowing foreign nationals to secretly fund election activities through corporations or other entities by expanding the definition of prohibited foreign contributions. The bill would mandate "stand by every ad" disclosure requirements for political communications across all media, including audio, video, and internet ads, requiring clear identification of funders. It would also require reporting of disbursements related to Federal judicial nominations, which currently aren't subject to disclosure requirements. These provisions would apply to corporations, labor organizations, and certain nonprofits that engage in political activity.

Maddy summaryThe IDEA Full Funding Act (HR 4519) mandates specific annual increases in federal funding for special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires Congress to appropriate increasing amounts each fiscal year - from $5.87 billion for 2024 up to $55.53 billion for 2033 - to reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for public schools by 2033. This directly affects all public school districts serving students with disabilities, as federal IDEA funding supports their special education services. The bill sets fixed dollar amounts or percentage targets (whichever is greater) for each fiscal year, aiming to gradually close the long-standing gap between promised and actual federal funding. It does not alter eligibility for services but mandates higher, phased funding levels to meet the 40% target.

Maddy summaryHR 4426 extends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) fund for 19 years (up from 2 years) and expands eligibility for compensation to individuals exposed to radiation from nuclear testing and uranium mining. The bill updates eligibility criteria for claims related to leukemia and other specified diseases, including adding chronic lymphocytic leukemia to the list of covered conditions. It creates new provisions for uranium mining workers, including combined work histories and allows the use of affidavits to substantiate claims. The bill also expands medical benefits eligibility and establishes a $3 million annual grant program to study the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining on non-occupationally exposed individuals, including family members of miners.

Maddy summaryHRES 566 is a non-binding resolution introduced by Representative Correa in 2023 that expresses the House of Representatives' support for recognizing and encouraging everyday acts of kindness as a means to strengthen community bonds and societal resilience. It does not create new laws or policies but symbolically affirms that kindness - defined as selfless actions without expectation of return - can improve social connections, health, and conflict resolution. The resolution serves as a statement of shared values rather than a concrete policy change.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation, sex characteristics, or gender identity.

Maddy summaryHRES 561 is a non-binding House resolution opposing state laws that criminalize access to essential health care. It specifically condemns using criminal penalties against people for pregnancy outcomes (such as miscarriages), seeking abortion or contraception, or receiving gender-affirming care, and disapproves of punishing health care providers or supporters for facilitating such care. The resolution affirms that patients deserve access to reproductive and gender-affirming health services without fear of prosecution or discrimination. It emphasizes that criminalizing these health care decisions violates patient rights and ethical provider obligations, without creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to fund high-impact tutoring in K-12 schools, primarily targeting students in schools with high poverty (Title I schools) and those experiencing significant academic declines since the pandemic. It requires tutoring to meet specific standards: at least 30 minutes per student, three days per week, with a 3:1 student-to-tutor ratio, and alignment with classroom instruction. States receive 80% of funds to award subgrants to local schools, which must submit detailed plans, provide monthly progress reports, and partner with research organizations to evaluate program effectiveness. The program prioritizes schools with the greatest academic need and mandates accountability through annual reviews of student outcomes by state agencies and an independent Advisory Board.