This resolution urges the President to demand the release of all hostages in Gaza. The resolution also urges the President to maintain all applicable sanctions on Iran and to use all other coercive and diplomatic resources to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Gaza.
Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.
Maddy summaryThis bill invalidates U.S. passports for travel to, in, or through Iran, requiring the Secretary of State to enforce this under existing passport law. Exceptions apply for journalists reporting on Iran, Red Cross personnel on official missions, and travelers with specific humanitarian needs like visiting vulnerable family, caring for a sick relative, attending a funeral, or receiving medical care. The passport restriction would expire automatically 8 years after the bill becomes law.
Maddy summaryHR 5996, the "Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act," restricts all U.S. federal funding in Gaza until the President certifies two conditions to Congress: (1) funds won't benefit Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or designated terrorist groups, and (2) all hostages taken by these groups have been freed. The bill also prohibits U.S. funding through UN entities in Gaza if they promote anti-Israel or anti-Semitic content. It applies to all U.S. government spending in Gaza, including aid delivered via international organizations. The law directly affects federal budget allocations for Gaza operations and requires specific congressional oversight before any funds can be used.
Maddy summaryHR 5959, the GAZA Act, would bar individuals holding passports issued by the Palestinian Authority from entering the United States. Specifically, it makes such individuals inadmissible, ineligible for visas or parole, and unable to receive immigration benefits under U.S. law. The bill directly affects Palestinian Authority passport holders seeking U.S. entry or immigration status. It creates a specific visa restriction based solely on the passport authority issuing the document.
'Operation Swords of Iron' Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act This bill provides $2 billion in appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. The funds must be provided to address emergent requirements in support of Operation Swords of Iron.
Maddy summaryHR 520 amends the Endangered Species Act to eliminate distinctions between animals bred naturally in the wild and those bred artificially in captivity. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to treat both types of animals identically for all decisions under the Act, including listing and critical habitat designations. It also specifically authorizes using artificially propagated animals as part of mitigation for projects affecting endangered or threatened species. This applies to all species covered by the Act, regardless of when they were listed.
Maddy summaryHRES 739 is a House resolution disapproving of a September 11, 2023, sanctions waiver that would release $6 billion in Iranian assets held in South Korea. The resolution states this waiver weakens U.S. policy by allowing Iran access to funds that could support its nuclear program and terrorism, and criticizes the delayed notification to Congress. It specifically condemns the administration's nonenforcement of mandatory sanctions and the release of assets without proper congressional review. The resolution demands the administration submit any Iran nuclear agreement to Congress before further sanctions relief. This is a procedural disapproval, not a law altering sanctions.
Maddy summaryHRES 684 is a symbolic congressional resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 14, 2023, condemning New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's emergency order that temporarily suspended open and concealed carry firearm rights for 30 days. The resolution asserts the order violated the Second Amendment, citing Supreme Court precedents (Heller, McDonald, Bruen) and noting a federal judge had already blocked the order's firearm restrictions. It does not change any laws or impose legal consequences - it is solely a formal expression of disapproval from Congress. The resolution directly addresses the Governor's actions but has no effect on New Mexico's laws or citizens' rights.
Maddy summaryHR 5411 blocks the Department of Energy from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed energy efficiency rule for residential clothes washers. The bill specifically targets the "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers" rule (proposed in March 2023). This legislation prevents the rule from moving forward, meaning manufacturers would not be required to meet the new efficiency standards for clothes washers under this specific regulation. The bill directly affects the Department of Energy's regulatory process for appliance energy standards.
