Rep. James A. Himes

Maddy summaryHR 8231, the James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to actor James Earl Jones in recognition of his distinguished career in theater and film, and his role in advancing inclusion and equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the entertainment industry. The Treasury will strike the medal with an image and inscription of Jones, and may produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint's public enterprise fund. This bill serves as a ceremonial honor with no new legal requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Defense, State Department, and intelligence agencies to submit a report to Congress within 120 days of enactment. The report must assess how sharing defense-related information with Ukraine and European partners during Russia's invasion of Ukraine supported U.S. security goals, including military decisions and strengthened partnerships. It also evaluates current information-sharing processes, safeguards, and recommendations for adapting these practices to future crises in other regions. The bill does not change existing laws but mandates a formal review to improve how the U.S. shares defense information with allies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1169) is a symbolic House of Representatives commendment. It formally recognizes the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team for winning the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship and the women’s team for reaching the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. The resolution highlights the men’s team’s sixth national title and second consecutive championship, and the women’s team’s 11th national title and 23rd Final Four appearance. It specifically commends the teams, their coaches (Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma), and requests copies be sent to university leadership and coaches. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effect.

Maddy summaryHR 7770, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell three commemorative coins honoring women who worked on the U.S. home front during World War II. It specifies $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all to be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar), with all surcharge funds directed to the Rosie the Riveter Trust for maintaining the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. The coins will feature designs reflecting the legacy of diverse women workers and must meet specific weight, diameter, and composition standards.

Maddy summaryHRES 1074 is a symbolic House resolution reaffirming congressional support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It explicitly states the House supports Israel's right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state and recognizes Palestinians' right to sovereignty through a separate state. The resolution identifies a two-state solution as the best path to lasting peace and condemns efforts opposing this approach. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law or policy but formally expresses the House's position on this issue. It was introduced by multiple House members on March 12, 2024.

Maddy summaryHRES 1032 is a symbolic resolution designating the week of February 26-March 1, 2024, as "Public Schools Week" in the U.S. House of Representatives. It expresses congressional support for public education, highlighting its role in preparing students and communities. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of backing for public schools. It directly affects no individuals or entities but aims to raise awareness about public education. This is a non-binding gesture, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies federal highway funding rules to allow the use of Highway Trust Fund money for constructing specific noise barriers near highways. It permits Type II noise barriers (designed to reduce highway noise) if they separate highways from older residential areas (at least 10 years old) or meet other defined criteria, while generally restricting such funding otherwise. The bill also enables "multipurpose" noise barriers that can host renewable energy or broadband infrastructure, and requires project sponsors to consider aesthetics when building these barriers. It directly affects highway construction projects near residential neighborhoods and state transportation agencies managing federal highway funds.

Maddy summaryHRES 1014 is a symbolic House resolution commemorating the Ukrainian people's sacrifices two years after Russia's February 24, 2022, invasion. It recognizes the war's devastating toll, including over 10,000 civilian deaths, 19,000 abducted children, and 10 million displaced people, while condemning Russia's actions. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine, condemns Vladimir Putin's regime, and stands in solidarity with Ukraine's defense of democratic values. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect but formally acknowledges Ukraine's struggle and resilience. It directly honors Ukrainian civilians, soldiers, and those displaced by Russia's war of aggression.

Maddy summaryHRES 966 is a symbolic resolution condemning alleged sexual violence committed by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It specifically references eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and Hamas fighters' admissions of ordering gang rape, sexual mutilation, and assault against Israeli civilians. The resolution calls for international condemnation of such acts as weapons of war, urges nations to criminalize sexual violence, and supports investigations into Hamas' actions. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals but formally expresses the House's position on the issue.

Maddy summaryHR 7056, the Access to Family Building Act, establishes federal rights for individuals to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF without unreasonable restrictions, directly affecting patients seeking fertility treatments and health care providers offering ART services. The bill prohibits states from imposing limitations on ART that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures, fail to advance safety, or unduly restrict access, while allowing health and safety regulations that are necessary and least restrictive. It creates federal enforcement mechanisms, including lawsuits by the Attorney General or affected individuals to challenge violating state laws, and preempts conflicting state regulations. The bill explicitly preserves state authority over health/safety regulations and does not alter existing state insurance coverage laws for ART.