Rep. Cory Mills

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $16.5 billion from the Treasury for disaster relief under the Robert T. Stafford Act, covering major disasters declared between 2020 and 2023. It provides tax relief by increasing deductible casualty losses for individuals in qualifying disaster areas, allowing deductions up to 10% of adjusted gross income (instead of the usual 10% floor) and raising the standard deduction by the net disaster loss amount. The tax provisions exclude areas affected solely by COVID-19 or previously covered by prior relief acts. It also includes minor procedural updates, such as allowing block grants for agricultural losses and requiring a Department of Defense report on Hurricane Idalia damage.

Maddy summaryThe United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act establishes a strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The strategy requires the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive plan to interrupt links between artisanal mining and criminal organizations, prevent mining in protected areas, and counter money laundering related to gold trafficking. It promotes formalization of artisanal mining operations, supports indigenous communities affected by mining, and fosters responsible sourcing practices through international partnerships. The bill authorizes $10 million for implementation and directly affects mining communities in countries like Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Nicaragua where illicit mining is prevalent.

Maddy summaryHR 5465, the Congressional Access to Bureaucratic Offices Act (CABO Act), requires federal agency heads to allow Members of Congress and their staff access to agency headquarters buildings during regular business hours. It mandates that access be granted upon presentation of valid congressional identification (for Members) or a staff badge while accompanied by the employing Member (for staff), with exceptions for areas requiring secret-level security clearance. The bill also ensures this access applies during declared emergencies (like national emergencies under the National Emergencies Act or public health emergencies), without imposing additional costs by using existing agency funds. This directly affects how federal agencies manage physical access for congressional personnel.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom to Breathe Act (HR 5368) prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce mask mandates for passengers traveling on air carriers, public transit, or in elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions from enactment until December 31, 2024. It bans federal agencies from requiring masks in these settings and prevents transportation providers or schools from denying service to individuals who refuse to wear masks. The law also overrides conflicting state or local rules during the applicable period. This applies specifically to settings receiving federal funding, such as public schools and federally supported transit systems.

Maddy summaryHR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Equality in the Halls of Congress Act This bill authorizes the President to invite each U.S. territory to provide and furnish no more than two statues for placement in National Statuary Hall.

Maddy summaryHRES 666 is a resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III for high crimes and misdemeanors. It specifically alleges that Austin failed to adequately prepare for the Afghanistan withdrawal, including evacuating Bagram Air Base without securing it and enforcing an arbitrary September 11, 2021, deadline, which contributed to the abandonment of Americans and the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. This resolution is procedural - it does not change laws or policies but formally charges Austin with misconduct for an impeachment trial in the Senate. It directly targets the Secretary of Defense as the subject of the impeachment proceedings.

Maddy summaryHRES 503 is a procedural resolution introduced to impeach President Joe Biden, alleging he abused his power and neglected his duties by failing to enforce immigration laws and secure the southern border. The resolution claims the administration released over 2 million illegal aliens without proper processing, ended border security programs like the Migrant Protection Protocols, and contributed to a fentanyl crisis resulting in over 100,000 deaths. As an impeachment resolution, it does not enact policy changes but would, if passed by the House, send the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial. This is a formal procedural step, not a legislative bill with direct policy effects.

This bill requires various changes to the passport application process and addresses related issues. The bill requires all U.S. regular passports to contain a written notice advising travelers (1) to check travel.state.gov for updated travel warnings, (2) to register with the Department of State prior to overseas travel, (3) that many countries deny entry to travelers whose passport expires within six months, and (4) to renew their passports within at least one year of the expiration date.  Further, the bill makes permanent existing State Department authority to assess a surcharge on the passport application fee to cover the costs of increased demand prompted by certain legal requirements. This authority currently expires on September 30, 2026.  For three years starting from this bill's enactment, the State Department may use direct hire authority to expedite the hiring of individuals into Passport and Visa Examining positions (Series 0967). Finally, the bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress about passport processing wait times, agency plans for a public outreach campaign, and related information.

Maddy summaryHR 5155 creates a new temporary visitor visa category specifically for family visits to the U.S. It directly affects U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents wanting to host relatives for short stays, and their eligible relatives (including parents, children, siblings, and extended family). The bill requires visitors to have a financial sponsor, short-term medical insurance covering U.S. expenses, and proof of intent to leave within 90 days per year - reducing the previous 180-day limit. It explicitly states this visa does not count as immigrant status, and applicants who previously overstayed a similar visa face additional restrictions unless extraordinary circumstances apply.