Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023 would establish a universal school meals program providing free breakfast and lunch to all children enrolled in participating schools, regardless of family income. Key provisions include eliminating income-based eligibility requirements for school breakfast and lunch programs, setting specific reimbursement rates ($2.80 for breakfast and $4.63 for lunch with annual inflation adjustments), and prohibiting schools from collecting debt for unpaid meals or "shaming" students. The bill also replaces references to "free or reduced price" with "economically disadvantaged students" in related laws and establishes new methods for identifying children from low-income backgrounds. This legislation would directly affect all public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a barrier for college students seeking food assistance by amending the SNAP program rules. It directly affects students enrolled at least half-time in recognized colleges or training programs, who were previously automatically ineligible unless they met separate requirements. The key change eliminates the prior restriction (in section 6(e)) that barred most higher education students from SNAP, allowing them to qualify under the new provision in section 3(m)(5)(F). The changes take effect January 2, 2024.

Maddy summaryHR 3036, the Increased TSP Access Act of 2023, amends conservation program rules to expand access to third-party providers (TSPs) who offer technical assistance to farmers on conservation practices. It creates new pathways for non-Federal entities like agricultural cooperatives or professional associations to certify TSPs, streamlines certification processes (requiring Secretary review within 10 business days), and sets payment rates for TSPs equivalent to government-provided technical assistance. The bill mandates public reporting on certification numbers, payment details, and a target utilization rate for TSPs to improve conservation program delivery. It directly affects farmers participating in USDA conservation programs by increasing options for technical support and requiring transparency in how TSPs are certified and compensated.

Maddy summaryHRES 459 is a resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating June 2, 2023, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2023 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It encourages the public to wear orange, promote gun safety awareness, and discuss community safety measures during this time, particularly highlighting the summer months when gun violence often increases. The resolution references statistics on gun violence deaths and pays tribute to victims like Hadiya Pendleton, but does not create new laws or impose requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 447 is a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating May 2023 as "Renewable Fuels Month." It recognizes renewable fuels' role in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign energy sources. The resolution cites industry statistics, including over 78,000 direct jobs in ethanol production and greenhouse gas emission reductions of 44-52% compared to gasoline. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or impose obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 3713 creates federal grants to fund comprehensive school-based mental health programs for students in grades K-12, including those in Bureau of Indian Education schools. It requires partnerships between schools and community mental health providers to deliver trauma-informed, culturally appropriate services addressing suicide risk, grief, violence, and trauma exposure. The bill authorizes $300 million annually (2024-2027) for these programs, mandating privacy protections under HIPAA and FERPA, and requires annual reporting on program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the VROOM Act, protects consumers from rental car companies that overbook vehicles and fail to honor confirmed reservations. It requires companies to offer customers a choice between an upgraded vehicle at no extra cost, a downgraded vehicle with a price difference refund, or a cash penalty equal to twice the rental price (capped at $500 per day). The law applies to rental companies with fleets of 35 or more vehicles and covers rentals under four months, while giving the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules and allowing states and individuals to file lawsuits against violators.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows college athletes to sign name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsement deals without losing athletic eligibility. It prohibits schools from banning such contracts (section 2a) and requires institutions to avoid drafting or funding these agreements themselves (section 2b). The Federal Trade Commission enforces these rules, mandates disclosure of NIL contracts through a public clearinghouse (section 5c), and requires athlete agents to register with the FTC (section 6). It directly affects student athletes, colleges, and sports agents by creating a transparent framework for NIL agreements while preempting state laws that conflict with these provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 3639, the After Hours Child Care Act, creates a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to child care for parents working nontraditional hours (such as evenings, nights, or weekends). The bill directly affects working parents with young children and eligible child care providers who serve these families. It authorizes competitive grants (ranging from $25,000 to $500,000) to providers or partnerships with businesses/community organizations to expand after-hours care programs, establish workplace child care, or improve existing facilities. Grantees must cover 25% of costs, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report biennially on program impact to Congress.

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require that medications and medical equipment for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose be included in an aircraft emergency medical kit; the FAA must, to the maximum extent possible, follow the guidance of the Aerospace Medical Association. In a 2019 guidance document to the FAA, the Aerospace Medical Association recommended including an opioid antagonist (e.g., naloxone or Narcan) in an aircraft emergency medical kit.