This resolution states that the House of Representatives opposes South Africa's hosting of military exercises with China and Russia in February 2023. The resolution calls on the government of South Africa to (1) cancel all future military exercises with China and Russia and (2) rejoin U.S.-led exercises. Additionally, the resolution calls on the Biden administration to conduct a review of the status of the United States-South Africa bilateral relationship.
Sponsored bills
CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act This bill limits the ability of the Federal Reserve to (1) provide direct services to individuals, and (2) use a central bank digital currency. A central bank digital currency is a digital currency (e.g., Bitcoin or Ether) issued by a government-backed central bank. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Federal Reserve and the Federal Open Market Committee from using any central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy. In addition, a Federal Reserve bank is prohibited from offering products or services directly to an individual, maintaining an account on behalf of an individual, or issuing a central bank digital currency directly to an individual. The Federal Reserve must (1) consult with each Federal Reserve bank with respect to any central bank digital currency study or pilot program, and (2) issue quarterly reports on the findings and determinations of any such study or program.
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Medicare should be strengthened and should not be used to finance Democrats' policies.
Maddy summaryHR 1088, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image, which will be presented by Congress and then permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This bill commemorates Chisholm's legacy and achievements without creating new laws or affecting any current policies.
Disposable ENDS Product Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update its enforcement guidance regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) products to include certain disposable ENDS products. In April 2020, the FDA published revised guidance on how it intends to prioritize enforcement resources with respect to ENDS products that do not have premarket authorization (i.e., that have not received FDA approval). The guidance specifies that the FDA intends to prioritize enforcement against (1) flavored, cartridge-based ENDS products (except for tobacco or menthol flavored products); (2) other ENDS products for which the manufacturer has not taken adequate measures to prevent access to minors; (3) any ENDS products that are targeted or promoted towards minors; and (4) any ENDS products for which the manufacturer has not submitted an application for market approval or did not receive approval. For purposes of this guidance, cartridge-based ENDS products do not include disposable products that are completely self-contained . The bill requires the FDA to incorporate these products, including nicotine products that are not derived from tobacco, into its enforcement priorities. The bill additionally specifies that the FDA may prioritize enforcement against these products in advance of updating the guidance. The FDA must also annually report on its enforcement actions with respect to these products.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.
This resolution affirms the House of Representatives' obligation to fulfill the promises made to senior citizens of the United States regarding access to Medicare and Social Security. It also rejects any changes to Medicare or Social Security that diminish benefits for Americans currently enrolled, or soon to be enrolled, in the Medicare program or the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. The resolution also expresses the House's commitment that these programs should be strengthened and preserved, and expresses support for efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs.
Maddy summaryHR 979 extends three existing restrictions on federal funding related to Guantanamo Bay detainees through December 31, 2024. It prolongs the ban on using funds to transfer detainees from Guantanamo to the U.S. mainland, to build or modify U.S. facilities for such detainees, and to close Guantanamo Bay itself. These provisions directly affect Department of Defense funding decisions and the handling of detainees currently held at Guantanamo Bay. The bill makes no new policy changes but extends current restrictions that were set to expire at the end of 2023.
This resolution recognizes that current retirees and those nearing retirement expect certain Social Security commitments to be made. It further expresses the policy of the House of Representatives to exclude cuts to Social Security from debt ceiling negotiations.
Maddy summaryHR 899 would end the U.S. Department of Education by requiring its termination on December 31, 2023. This bill directly affects the Department of Education itself, eliminating its federal structure and operations. The key provision is a specific termination date, ending the agency's existence as a standalone cabinet-level department. No other mechanisms or affected groups are specified in the bill text.