Rep. Jared Moskowitz

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses the House's support for 10 specific rights of youth in foster care, directly affecting young people aged 18-21 navigating the system. It affirms their right to remain in original schools, access health services (including mental health), live free from abuse, maintain sibling contact, and receive adequate food and housing. The resolution does not create new legal obligations but calls for child welfare agencies to uphold these standards, based on documented challenges like high school graduation gaps and trauma exposure.

Maddy summaryHR 4122, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Henrietta Lacks for her contribution to medical science through the HeLa cell line. The bill directs the Treasury to strike the medal recognizing how her cells enabled major medical advances, including the polio vaccine and cancer treatments, without altering any laws or policies. The medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution to commemorate her legacy in scientific research and bioethics. This is a purely commemorative measure with no direct effect on current legislation or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 3962 establishes an Advisory Council to support victims of gun violence, directly affecting individuals impacted by gun violence (including survivors, witnesses, and relatives of victims) and the professionals who assist them. The council, composed of federal agency heads, victims, and victim assistance professionals, will assess needs, review existing programs, and compile accessible resources covering medical, financial, mental health, legal, and housing support. It must publish a public report within 180 days of enactment detailing best practices and gaps, with a follow-up report after two years. The council’s work will be shared online and distributed to congressional offices, state agencies, schools, and local prosecutors, with no new federal funding authorized for implementation.

Maddy summaryHR 3099 establishes a new Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords within the State Department, directly affecting U.S. diplomatic efforts and coordination. The envoy, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, will coordinate U.S. government activities to expand diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Israel and Muslim-majority countries, including encouraging nations without formal relations with Israel to establish them. Key duties include strengthening existing Accords partnerships, fostering regional cooperation on issues like trade and water security, and providing diplomatic support for Israel’s regional engagement. The envoy must submit annual reports to Congress detailing specific diplomatic efforts and progress with partner countries.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases per diem payments for homeless veterans receiving VA services. It raises the daily payment rate from $115 to $200 for certain housing-related services, including emergency responses. The change directly affects homeless veterans who qualify for these VA-funded housing supports. The key provision adjusts the payment rate in Section 2012(a)(2)(B) of the U.S. Code to provide higher funding for services assisting homeless veterans.

Maddy summaryHR 4074, the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2023, prohibits distributing online digital instructions (like 3D printer files) that can automatically create firearms or firearm parts. It directly affects individuals or entities sharing such digital files over the internet. The bill adds a new federal law making it unlawful to intentionally distribute these files, aiming to prevent untraceable firearms from being made without serial numbers, which law enforcement cannot track in criminal investigations. This addresses concerns that 3D-printed guns evade detection and undermine firearm tracing systems.

Maddy summaryHR 4086 directs the U.S. government to use its influence at the United Nations to extend the mandate of the UN Human Rights Council's independent fact-finding mission on Venezuela. The bill requires the Secretary of State to support efforts to continue this mission until Venezuela holds free elections, ends authoritarian rule, restores democracy, frees political prisoners, and allows humanitarian aid. It also directs the U.S. to urge the UN to condemn Venezuela's use of political prisoners, support humanitarian aid for vulnerable Venezuelans, and assist in releasing detained individuals. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress on these diplomatic actions. This legislation directly affects the UN mission's work and U.S. diplomatic engagement regarding Venezuela's human rights situation.

Maddy summaryHRES 500 is a non-binding House resolution commemorating the seventh anniversary of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. It honors the 49 victims killed in the attack, expresses condolences to their families, and acknowledges the community's response to the tragedy. The resolution also recognizes coordinated efforts by law enforcement and expresses ongoing support for those affected, while noting broader efforts like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to address gun violence. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

Maddy summaryThe GLOBE Act of 2023 requires the U.S. Department of State to document and report on violence and discrimination against LGBTQI people worldwide in annual country reports, with specific requirements to identify countries criminalizing LGBTQI status. It establishes a Special Envoy for LGBTQI Human Rights to coordinate U.S. government efforts internationally and creates targeted sanctions against foreign officials responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI individuals, including denying visas and imposing financial penalties. The bill also includes provisions to improve U.S. foreign assistance programs to better support LGBTQI communities, reform immigration processes to better protect LGBTQI asylum seekers, and ensure inclusive policies in diplomatic and consular settings. These measures aim to advance LGBTQI rights globally through diplomatic, financial, and policy mechanisms.

Pets Belong With Families Act This bill prohibits public housing agencies from imposing breed restrictions on pets owned by residents of public housing units. The bill continues to allow public housing agencies to prohibit ownership of dangerous animals in public housing, but prohibits classification as dangerous by breed and requires that any such classification be based on specific behaviors or actions of the animal.