Rep. Jahana Hayes

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2025 would expand unemployment insurance eligibility to workers unable to work due to labor disputes, including strikes or lockouts. It sets a 14-day waiting period (or earlier if replacements are hired, a lockout starts, or the dispute ends) before benefits begin, treating these workers as "unemployed" under federal law. The bill also removes the standard requirement for these workers to actively seek other employment to qualify for benefits. This directly affects workers involved in labor disputes, such as those on strike or unable to work due to employer lockouts.

Maddy summaryThe Tipped Worker Protection Act eliminates the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, requiring employers to pay the full minimum wage instead of the current $2.13/hour rate that relies on tips to make up the difference. During a transition period, tipped workers would receive a minimum cash wage of $3.60/hour in the first year, increasing by $1.50 annually until reaching the full minimum wage. The bill also prohibits employers from keeping tips or using them for anything other than distributing to employees, requires transparency about service charges, and establishes rules for voluntary tip pooling. This bill directly affects workers in restaurants, bars, and other service industries who traditionally receive tips as part of their compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Peter J. McGuire's memorial and gravesite in Pennsauken, New Jersey, as the "Peter J. McGuire Memorial National Commemorative Site." It clarifies the site is not part of the National Park System and allows for cooperative agreements to provide public educational programs. The designation does not affect property owners' rights regarding the site. As a commemorative resolution, it focuses solely on recognizing McGuire's historical significance in labor history.

Maddy summaryHR 5048, the "Don’t STEAL Act," amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure workers receive the highest wage promised in their contracts or collective bargaining agreements, whichever exceeds federal or state minimum wage requirements. It directly affects employees engaged in commerce or working for businesses involved in commerce, requiring employers to pay at least the higher of their agreed-upon wage or the legal minimum. The bill establishes criminal penalties for willful wage theft exceeding $1,000 (up to 5 years in prison) and civil penalties for all unpaid wages, with fines funding the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division enforcement efforts. These changes apply to violations occurring 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 5040, the Accurate Mental Health Resources for Our Servicemembers Act of 2025, requires each military department to review and update online suicide prevention and behavioral health information on installation-level websites by August 1, 2027. The bill mandates that this information, including contact details for mental health resources, be corrected as needed to ensure accuracy. Military departments must then certify the updated information's accuracy to Congress via the defense committees. This directly affects servicemembers and their families who access these online resources for mental health support.

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.

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 summaryHRES 638 designates the week of August 3-9, 2025, as "National Farmers Market Week" to recognize the role of farmers markets in U.S. communities. The resolution highlights that farmers markets generated $1.7 billion in farmer income in 2020, grew from 1,755 to 8,771 nationwide between 1994 and 2019, and support local economies, sustainable farming, and food access. It does not create new laws or funding but formally supports the designation and acknowledges how these markets connect urban and rural communities while aiding farmers and consumers. This commemorative resolution directly affects farmers markets, their operators, and communities that rely on them for economic and social engagement.

Maddy summaryThe Election Mail Act (HR 4915) establishes new standards for handling voting-by-mail materials in Federal elections. It requires the Postal Service to process absentee ballots the same day received, add postmarks showing mailing dates, and treat election mail as first-class with free postage for completed ballots. States must provide ballot return envelopes with tracking barcodes and accept mailed ballots postmarked on election day if received within 7 days. These provisions apply to Federal elections starting in 2026, with some requirements taking effect sooner.

Maddy summaryHRES 627 is a non-binding House resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of Pratt & Whitney's founding in 1925. It recognizes the company's history as a global leader in aircraft engine manufacturing, headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, and highlights its contributions to aviation innovation, national defense, and Connecticut's aerospace workforce over a century. The resolution expresses congressional praise for Pratt & Whitney's employees - including engineers, machinists, and veterans - and encourages public acknowledgment of the company's impact on Connecticut's economy and global aviation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct policy impact.