Rep. Daniel S. Goldman

Maddy summaryThis bill expands paid family and medical leave for federal employees by increasing total entitlement from 12 to 26 weeks annually. It modifies existing laws to cover all federal workers (including those at the GAO, USPS, Library of Congress, and congressional staff), replacing "parental leave" with broader "family and medical leave" and adding 14 additional weeks for qualifying events like childbirth, adoption, or serious health conditions. Employees who already used paid leave under other programs will have their new entitlement reduced by the days already taken. The changes apply immediately to most federal employees, with specific timelines for agencies like the Veterans Affairs Department and District of Columbia courts.

Maddy summaryThe Better Care Better Jobs Act (HR 547) aims to improve access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for Medicaid beneficiaries by providing states with planning grants and enhanced federal funding. States that develop approved HCBS infrastructure improvement plans will receive a 10 percentage point increase in federal Medicaid funding for HCBS services, with additional incentives for self-directed care programs. The bill requires states to address barriers to access, expand workforce development, improve payment rates for direct care workers, and track demographic data on service utilization. It also establishes quality measurement requirements and mandates regular reporting on progress toward improving HCBS access and quality.

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 789, the Caring for All Families Act, expands the Family and Medical Leave Act to allow employees to take leave for a wider range of family members, including domestic partners, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent-in-law, adult children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and others with "close association equivalent to family." The bill adds new provisions for employees to take up to 4 hours of leave per 30 days (24 hours annually) for school activities, routine medical appointments for family members, or visiting nursing homes for elderly individuals considered family. This legislation directly affects private sector workers covered by FMLA and federal employees, broadening who qualifies for leave and what types of family care can be accommodated. The bill amends existing FMLA definitions and requirements to include these expanded family relationships and care needs.

Default Proceed Sale Transparency Act This bill establishes new requirements in the case of a firearm transfer by a federally licensed dealer, manufacturer, or importer to an unlicensed person prior to the completion of a background check. Current law permits these transactions—default-proceed transactions—if a submitted background check remains incomplete after three business days. With respect to a default-proceed transaction, the bill requires a federally licensed dealer, manufacturer, or importer to report the transfer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) within 24 hours; requires the instant criminal background check system (NICS) to prioritize completing the background check related to the transfer; and requires the NICS to retain records related to a proposed or completed firearm transfer until the background check is complete. Finally, the bill requires the FBI to report publicly on data related to default-proceed transactions. Further, it requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to report publicly on data related to the firearms transferred in default-proceed transactions.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 727 establishes a 12-member National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Council, appointed by the President with Senate consent, advises the NEH on preserving and celebrating African-American history and culture. Its key duties include evaluating NEH programs, gathering information on cultural trends, developing national policy recommendations, and submitting annual reports to the NEH Chair. The Council terminates 10 years after the bill's enactment, with members serving five-year terms (initially staggered) and receiving partial compensation for their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require that Black history be included in all federally supported American history and civics education programs. It directly affects K-12 public schools receiving federal education funding by mandating that curriculum frameworks, teacher training, and national assessments explicitly incorporate Black history as part of American history. The key mechanism is adding "which shall include Black history" to existing provisions across multiple sections of the law, including classroom instruction, teacher academies, and national assessments. This change ensures Black history is integrated into established educational standards rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHR 694, the Job Protection Act, expands access to family and medical leave under the FMLA by reducing eligibility requirements. It lowers the required employment period from 12 months to 90 days for most workers and removes the 50-employee threshold, requiring all employers (including small businesses with one or more employees) to provide leave. Federal, presidential, and congressional employees also see their eligibility thresholds reduced to 90 days. The bill directly affects millions of private-sector workers and small businesses nationwide by making existing leave protections more widely available. It makes no changes to leave duration or pay, only to who qualifies and which employers must comply.