Maddy summaryHR 1719, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, establishes a presumption that certain cancers diagnosed in public safety officers (like police and firefighters) are work-related if linked to their duties. It defines 22 specific cancers (including lung, mesothelioma, and WTC-related cancers) as "exposure-related," allowing officers or their families to receive benefits without proving direct work connection, provided they were diagnosed within 15 years of leaving active service. The bill also creates a process for adding new cancers to the list based on scientific evidence, requiring the Bureau to review petitions and make decisions within 180 days. This applies to deaths or disabilities occurring on or after January 1, 2023, directly affecting officers who developed covered cancers during service.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHRES 1480 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week (September 22-October 3, 2024) and honoring Hispanic restaurant owners and employees. It acknowledges their economic contributions to the U.S. restaurant industry, citing data that 25.9% of restaurant workers are Hispanic and Hispanic-owned restaurants represent the second-highest number of Hispanic-owned businesses. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally celebrates their role during Hispanic Heritage Month. It was introduced by 14 House members and referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Maddy summaryHRES 1464 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the Latino community's engagement in outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. It expresses support for designating the third week of September as "Latino Conservation Week" to highlight community involvement in protecting natural resources. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds; it is purely a statement of recognition. It aims to acknowledge existing community activities like park cleanups and educational events focused on environmental stewardship.
Maddy summaryHR 9650 requires federal agencies to purchase WaterSense-labeled water-efficient products (like fixtures or appliances) when procuring water-consuming items, unless cost or availability prevents it. It establishes an EPA grant program to provide rebates or incentives for households to buy WaterSense products, prioritizing low- and middle-income families through eligible entities like state governments or utilities. The bill also makes these rebates non-taxable income for individuals and expands existing tax exclusions for water conservation measures. These changes directly affect federal agencies, local governments, and households purchasing water-efficient products.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin and place it in the U.S. Capitol. The committee must secure the statue within two years of the bill's enactment and install it in a public-accessible location by January 1, 2026, for viewing during Capitol Visitor Center guided tours. It is a procedural measure with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents or legislation.
Maddy summaryHR 8314, the No Foreign Election Interference Act, imposes penalties on tax-exempt organizations (like nonprofits under Section 501(c)) that receive contributions from foreign nationals and then donate to political committees. Specifically, such organizations face a penalty equal to twice the donation amount for the first violation, and lose their tax-exempt status after making three such "disqualified" contributions. The law applies to donations made on or after January 1, 2025, and defines a "testing period" of eight years to determine if foreign contributions were received before a political donation. This targets financial flows between foreign donors and political activities, not general election interference.
Maddy summaryHRES 1437 is a ceremonial resolution designating the week beginning September 9, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) - colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment - and their role in educating low-income students, advancing economic mobility, and serving 31.7% of all undergraduate students. The resolution calls for the public and organizations to observe this week with ceremonies and activities during Hispanic Heritage Month. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.
Maddy summaryHR 9434 requires 11 federal agencies - including the Departments of State, Treasury, Justice, Homeland Security, and others, plus the intelligence community and U.S. Postal Service - to review their existing public-private partnerships aimed at combating the illicit fentanyl trade. Within 30 days of enactment, these agencies must submit an initial report to Congress assessing the effectiveness of these partnerships and identifying key gaps. They must then provide biannual updates on these reviews. The bill mandates unclassified reports with optional classified annexes, focusing on concrete agency actions rather than new policy measures.
Maddy summaryHR 9435 establishes a new National Security Council Fentanyl Disruption Steering Group to coordinate federal efforts against fentanyl trafficking. The group, chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, includes senior officials from 11 key agencies (including State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security) and the intelligence community. Its duties include overseeing agency strategies to disrupt fentanyl supply chains, setting strategic goals, coordinating resources, and reporting annually to Congress on initiatives and public-private partnerships. The bill mandates annual agency submissions detailing fentanyl-related efforts and requires the Steering Group to submit public reports on its strategic plan for private sector collaboration.
Maddy summaryHR 9433 requires the Secretary of Defense to analyze how the illicit fentanyl trade threatens U.S. defense interests. The analysis must cover fentanyl manufacturing, distribution, trans-shipment, and emerging technologies related to the trade. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress by March 31, 2025, and each year after, including the analysis, any actions taken by the Department of Defense, and relevant recommendations. This bill directly affects the Department of Defense and congressional committees, mandating a formal review of fentanyl's national security implications.