Rep. Julia Brownley

Maddy summaryThe Nationwide Right to Unionize Act (HR 5159) would repeal a federal provision allowing states to pass "right-to-work" laws, which currently prevent workers from being required to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. By removing this allowance, the bill would permit unions and employers to negotiate agreements requiring membership or dues in all states, including those with existing right-to-work laws. This change would directly affect workers and employers in the 27 states that currently have such laws. The bill focuses on eliminating state-level barriers to union security agreements without mandating union formation or membership.

Maddy summaryThe Quiet Communities Act of 2025 reestablishes the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which was defunded in 1982. This office will provide grants to states for local noise control programs, conduct national research on noise health impacts, develop public education materials, and create regional technical assistance centers. The bill authorizes $25 million annually (2026-2030) to fund these activities, directly supporting communities affected by noise pollution - particularly the estimated 28 million U.S. residents with hearing impairments linked to noise exposure. It emphasizes state/local solutions, market incentives, and coordination with other agencies to address noise from aircraft, traffic, and other sources.

Maddy summaryHR 5097 establishes a new grant program under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to help specialty crop producers in the U.S. adopt mechanized and automated equipment. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants covering equipment like drones, sorting machines, precision irrigation systems, and robotic tools, plus required training for their use. Recipients must contribute at least 50% of the costs through non-Federal matching funds. This program directly affects commercial specialty crop growers by providing financial support to modernize operations and improve efficiency.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJRES 115) terminates a presidential emergency declaration made on August 11, 2025, which claimed a "crime emergency" in Washington, D.C. It directly affects the District of Columbia by ending federal restrictions that prevented D.C. from using $1 billion in locally-raised funds for public safety, law enforcement, fire services, and schools. The resolution cites that the emergency declaration was legally flawed - section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act does not permit federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department - and notes that D.C. violent crime has reached a 30-year low. The bill formally ends the emergency under the DC Home Rule Act, restoring D.C.'s authority over its own budget and public safety resources.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1444 Main Street in Ramona, California, as the "Archie Moore Post Office Building".

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for a provision allowing certain vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes without meeting standard occupancy requirements. Specifically, it amends federal law to change the deadline from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2031. The change directly affects drivers and vehicle operators who currently qualify for this exemption under existing rules. It is a procedural reauthorization, not a policy change, maintaining the current HOV lane exemption rules for an additional six years.

Maddy summaryHR 4966 prohibits grocery stores from selling items at "grossly excessive prices," defined as 120% or more above the average market price over the previous six months (with exceptions for unavoidable cost increases like supply chain issues). It bans using facial recognition or personal data to set different prices for individual customers (e.g., adjusting prices based on shopping history) and requires clear signage if facial recognition is used. Stores over 10,000 square feet must replace electronic shelf labels with physical price tags. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these rules, allowing consumers to seek $3,000 per violation or actual damages, with penalties for willful violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers with 50+ call center employees to notify the Labor Secretary 120 days before moving operations overseas or contracting such work abroad. It creates a public list of these employers, barring them from federal grants or loans for 5 years (with limited exceptions for national security or job loss). Businesses must disclose agent locations and AI use at the start of customer service calls, allowing consumers to request transfer to a U.S.-based human agent. The law applies to all major call center employers and takes effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 4874 creates a federal grant program to fund supportive services for residents in affordable housing properties assisted by federal programs like low-income housing tax credits, Section 8 housing, and supportive housing for seniors or people with disabilities. Eligible non-profits managing such properties can receive 5-year grants to provide voluntary services including health access, educational programs, financial literacy, housing stability support, and assistance with public benefits. Grantees must use at least 25% of funds for staff salaries and training, while no more than 75% can cover direct resident services like mentoring or home modifications. The program aims to improve resident outcomes by connecting them to community resources without requiring participation in any service.

Maddy summaryThe Central Coast Heritage Protection Act designates approximately 235,000 acres of federal land in California as wilderness areas, scenic areas, or a special management area. It incorporates specific lands into existing wilderness systems, designates river segments as Wild and Scenic Rivers, and establishes management guidelines including provisions for fire management, grazing, and recreation. The bill withdraws these lands from mining, mineral leasing, and other activities under public land laws. It also requires studies on trail connectivity, vehicle trails, and nonmotorized recreation opportunities within the designated areas. The bill directly affects land management by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service in California's Central Coast region.