Rep. Jared Moskowitz

This resolution states that the House of Representatives expresses deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the earthquakes which occurred in Turkey (Turkiye) and the region on February 6, 2023. The resolution also states that the House of Representatives (1) wishes a speedy recovery for the injured; (2) commends the hard work of search and rescue personnel; (3) conveys its solidarity with Turkey, the Turkish people, and the Syrian people; and (4) urges the Biden administration to provide immediate assistance to Turkey and the region.

Maddy summaryThe REEF Act requires the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress 90 days before retiring any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing. It also states that Congress believes the Navy should actively seek opportunities to repurpose such vessels for environmental benefits through artificial reefs. This bill does not change retirement procedures but mandates a formal notification process to inform Congress about potential reefing options for eligible vessels.

This resolution condemns the attack against Brazil's government institutions on January 8, 2023. The resolution opposes any attempt to overturn Brazil's 2022 election results and calls for the U.S. government to cooperate with requests for assistance from Brazilian authorities investigating the attack.

Maddy summaryHR 866, the Equal COLA Act, changes how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated for federal retirees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). It requires that each year's COLA be based on the exact percent change in the price index from the previous year's base quarter, rounded to the nearest 0.1%, effective December 1. This applies to all FERS annuities starting before, on, or after the bill's enactment date, ensuring a standardized calculation method for retirees' annual adjustments.

Revoking Entry Granted to Iranian Mullahs and Elites Act of 2023 or the REGIME Act of 2023 The bill requires the Department of State to conduct a review of certain Iranian officials and government employees, as well as their immediate family members, who currently have visas or who have applied for visas. If such individuals are determined to be ineligible for entry into the United States under specified laws, the State Department must revoke their visas.

Maddy summaryHR 882, the American Teacher Act, requires states to ensure full-time teachers in public elementary and secondary schools earn at least $60,000 annually (adjusted for inflation), with part-time teachers receiving proportional pay. It provides federal grants to states to fund these salary increases, mandating sustainability plans beyond the 4-year grant period and prioritizing schools in high-poverty areas. The bill also includes cost-of-living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index and funds a national campaign to promote teaching as a career. It explicitly states grant funds must supplement existing education budgets without reducing current teacher pay or state loan forgiveness programs.

This resolution condemns Iranian state-sponsored terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and officials and Iranian dissidents. The resolution also expresses support for the people of Iran who are legitimately defending their rights for freedom against repression and condemns the killing of Iranian protesters by the Iranian regime.

This resolution states that the House of Representatives (1) rejects hate, discrimination, and antisemitism; (2) stands united with the Jewish people against rising antisemitism; and (3) condemns antisemitic tropes such as claims of dual loyalty.

Maddy summaryHR 765, the African American History Act, authorizes $2 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and programs about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create accessible teaching materials, support teacher professional development, and expand digital content for schools and the public, focusing on contributions, civil rights, and historical contexts. It requires annual reports to Congress and expires in 2028. The program directly supports educators, students, and families in learning about African American history through museums, schools, and online platforms.

Maddy summaryHR 715, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023, requires background checks for all firearm transfers between private individuals, not just those through licensed dealers. It mandates that unlicensed sellers must involve a licensed dealer to conduct a background check before transferring a firearm, with exceptions for family transfers (like spouses or parents/children), law enforcement, temporary safety transfers, and certain hunting or range activities. The bill also requires licensed dealers to provide a notice and certification form in both English and Spanish to buyers. It explicitly states it won't create a national gun registry or override state laws on the same topic. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.