Rep. Lauren Underwood

Maddy summaryHR 964, the Rosa Parks Day Act, would designate Rosa Parks Day as a legal public holiday for federal employees and institutions. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Rosa Parks Day" to the list of recognized federal holidays, following Thanksgiving Day. This change would establish a new annual observance on the day designated by the President, requiring federal offices to close and employees to receive paid time off. The bill directly affects federal operations and employees, creating a new standard for federal holiday observance.

Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act or the SAD Act This bill prohibits deceptive advertising for reproductive health services. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for a person (i.e., individual, partnership, corporation, association, or organization) to deceptively advertise the reproductive health services they offer, including by misrepresenting that the person (1) offers or provides contraception or abortion services (or referrals for such contraception or abortion services), or (2) employs or offers access to licensed medical personnel. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission. In addition to any other penalty, violations are subject to a civil penalty that may not exceed the greater of $100,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) or 50% of the revenue earned during the preceding 12-month period by the ultimate parent entity of the person who violated the bill.

Maddy summaryHR 844, the "Black History is American History Act," amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require that Black history be included in all American history and civics education programs for K-12 students. The bill specifically adds "which shall include Black history" to multiple provisions, ensuring it becomes a standard part of curriculum standards, teacher training, and national assessments like the National Assessment of Educational Progress. This policy change directly affects public school curricula, educators, and students across the U.S. by mandating historically accurate instruction on African American contributions as integral to American history. The bill references the National Museum of African American History and Culture as a resource provider for educators implementing these changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the House of Representatives' position that Congress should take steps to prevent the privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS), ensuring it remains a federal independent agency. It highlights USPS’s constitutional role, self-sustaining nature (relying on service revenue, not taxpayer funds), and critical functions - serving 168 million addresses daily, supporting rural communities, and underpinning e-commerce. The resolution opposes privatization, noting it would raise prices, reduce services, and harm the $1.9 trillion mailing industry. As a non-binding resolution, it reflects the House’s stance but does not create new law or policy.

Maddy summaryHR 764, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, removes two barriers for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) seeking U.S. foreign assistance. It ensures these organizations cannot be denied funding solely because they provide health services (like counseling and referrals) using non-U.S. government funds, as long as those services comply with local laws. The bill also requires that foreign NGOs face the same rules on using non-U.S. funds for advocacy and lobbying as U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. This directly affects international health-focused NGOs working in countries where U.S. aid is provided.

Maddy summaryHRES 68 is a non-binding House resolution expressing strong disapproval of the President’s announcement to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. It commends states, businesses, and citizens supporting the Agreement, urges the President to reverse the withdrawal decision, and calls for Congress to prioritize U.S. climate leadership. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally states the House’s position against withdrawing from the international climate accord. It was introduced by 115 co-sponsors and reflects broad congressional concern about reversing U.S. climate commitments.

Maddy summaryHRES 45 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for its 117 years of community service. It commends the sorority’s founding in 1908, its global membership of over 120,000 members, and its current service initiatives focused on social justice, community uplift, and economic empowerment. The resolution has no legal effect and serves solely to recognize the organization’s contributions to communities. It was introduced by multiple House members and referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.

Maddy summaryThe Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to prohibit the President from using emergency powers to impose tariffs or import quotas on goods entering the U.S. It adds a specific provision stating the President cannot impose duties, tariffs, or quotas under this law. This directly limits the executive branch's authority during emergencies, preventing the use of emergency powers for trade restrictions. The bill does not affect other trade policies or the President's other emergency authorities.

Maddy summaryThe Lower Your Taxes Act expands tax credits for low and middle-income households, primarily affecting workers and families with children. It significantly increases the Earned Income Tax Credit, raising the maximum credit percentage from 34% to 68% and increasing the earned income threshold from $6,330 to $19,000. The bill also establishes a new refundable child tax credit with monthly advance payments of $300 for children under 6 and $350 for children 6-17, with income limits. For high-income earners, it changes capital gains tax rates, and for corporations, it increases tax rates from 21% to 28%.

Maddy summaryHR 433, the Department of Education Protection Act, prohibits the use of federal funds to reorganize the Department of Education. Specifically, it blocks any spending from current fiscal year appropriations on activities that would decentralize the department, reduce staffing, or alter its structure, responsibilities, or authority relative to its organization as of January 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Department of Education by preventing structural changes to its existing offices and operations. This is a procedural measure focused solely on preserving the current departmental framework, not on changing education policy or funding.