Maddy summaryHR 648, the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023, increases federal funding for key USDA export promotion programs to boost U.S. agricultural sales abroad. It raises annual funding for the Market Access Program from $200 million to $400 million and for the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program from $34.5 million to $69 million, effective 2024-2029. These changes directly benefit U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses exporting commodities like soybeans, beef, and dairy by expanding their access to international markets. The bill aims to counter competitive disadvantages as foreign competitors grow their export programs faster than U.S. funding has kept pace. This represents a significant funding adjustment to address years of stagnant investment in these programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHR 528, the Put Trafficking Victims First Act of 2023, directs existing federal funds to improve how law enforcement and service providers handle human trafficking cases. It requires training to ensure officers identify victims before arrest, promotes trauma-informed victim services, and encourages states to adopt victim-centered policies like avoiding criminalization of child victims and providing comprehensive support (housing, mental health, legal aid). The bill also mandates a working group to develop better data collection methods on trafficking prevalence and requires reports on restitution efforts for victims. These provisions directly affect trafficking victims (including U.S. citizens and foreign nationals), law enforcement, prosecutors, and state service providers, all using existing resources without new funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands foreign investment review to cover U.S. agriculture by requiring transactions involving foreign control of agricultural businesses to undergo scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS). It classifies agricultural supply chains as both critical infrastructure and critical technologies, directly affecting foreign entities seeking to acquire or influence U.S. farms, food production, and supply chains. The bill mandates annual reports from the Secretary of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office on foreign investments in agriculture, including risks to food security and intellectual property. These provisions aim to mitigate potential threats to U.S. food supply chains from foreign adversaries through enhanced oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the export or sale of petroleum products drawn from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to specific countries and entities, including China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and any nation under U.S. sanctions. It also bans exports to entities owned or controlled by these countries or the Chinese Communist Party. The Secretary of Energy must enforce this ban, though they may issue a national security waiver for specific exports. The bill requires the Secretary to issue implementing rules within 60 days of enactment. It directly affects the Secretary of Energy, oil exporters seeking to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the listed countries/entities.
Maddy summaryHR 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, defines "bump stock" as any device or modification that increases the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon to mimic a machine gun. The bill amends federal tax and firearms laws to classify bump stocks as prohibited devices under the National Firearms Act, requiring existing owners to register them within one year of enactment. It directly affects individuals who currently own bump stocks by mandating registration to avoid future possession prohibitions. The law takes effect immediately for new sales but provides a one-year grace period for existing owners to comply with registration requirements.
Maddy summaryHR 345, the TRUST in Congress Act, requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place certain investments into a "blind trust" within 90 days of taking office or after the bill's enactment. It directly affects current and future lawmakers and their immediate family members by mandating that covered investments - such as stocks, commodities, or derivatives (excluding Treasury bonds and some mutual funds) - be placed in a trust they cannot manage. Members must certify the trust setup to House or Senate officials within 15 days, and trusts cannot be dissolved until 180 days after leaving office. The law excludes investments providing primary income (e.g., from a spouse's job) but requires transparency through public website disclosures of certifications.
Maddy summaryHR 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act, would designate Rosa Parks Day as a legal public holiday for federal employees and government operations. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Rosa Parks Day" to the list of federal holidays, placing it after Thanksgiving Day. This change would require federal offices to close on this designated day, affecting federal employees and standard government operations. The bill does not create new programs or alter existing laws beyond the holiday designation.
Maddy summaryHR 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would admit Washington, D.C. as the 51st state, named "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth," granting its residents full representation in Congress with two Senators and one Representative. The bill establishes procedures for admission, including elections for state officials, with the state initially having one Representative until the next congressional apportionment. It would create a "Capital" area (including the White House, Capitol, and other key federal buildings) that remains under federal jurisdiction as the seat of the U.S. government, while the rest of the District becomes the new state. The bill also includes provisions to ensure continuity of federal services, property management, and legal procedures during the transition to statehood.
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.
Maddy summaryHR 208, the Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023, restricts where research facilities can obtain dogs and cats for laboratory use. It requires facilities to source animals only from licensed breeders, registered shelters meeting specific criteria, owners who've had the pet over a year, or other research facilities - banning purchases from pet stores or random sources. The bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to define permissible sources and imposes $1,000 fines per violation for non-compliance. It affects research facilities, shelters, and breeders by changing their legal sourcing options for animals used in research. The changes take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.