Rep. Lauren Underwood

Maddy summaryThe Rent Relief Act of 2023 creates a new refundable tax credit for renters whose rent exceeds 30% of their adjusted gross income. It directly affects low-to-moderate income renters in their principal residence, with credit percentages ranging from 100% (for incomes under $25,000) down to 0% (for incomes over $100,000). The credit is limited to rent within HUD's fair market rent guidelines, and the IRS will make monthly advance payments starting July 2024 for eligible taxpayers who elect this option. The bill requires no additional tax filing for the credit but includes $50 million for outreach to help eligible households enroll.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and extends federal funding for research and support services related to preterm birth through 2028, replacing the previous 2019-2023 funding period. Key provisions include adding chronic condition screening and treatment to maternal health education services, mandating an interagency working group on prematurity within 18 months, and requiring a National Academies study on preterm birth costs, risk factors, and program gaps. The study must assess neonatal care expenses, societal impacts, and effective prevention strategies, with a final report due within 24 months. These changes directly affect preterm infants, their families, healthcare providers, and federal agencies managing maternal health programs.

Maddy summaryThe Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 increases the expenditure cap for home- and community-based care for veterans from 65% to 100% of costs, with exceptions for certain cases based on clinical need and geographic factors. It establishes new programs including Veteran-Directed Care, which allows veterans to select and manage their own in-home care services, and Home-Based Primary Care, which provides in-home health care overseen by VA providers. The bill requires improved coordination with existing programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and mandates a centralized website with information about available services. It specifically targets veterans who would otherwise require nursing home care or face increased risk of hospitalization, and includes provisions to address home health aide shortages through pilot programs.

Maddy summaryHRES 907 is a non-binding House resolution condemning rising antisemitism in the U.S., citing increased hate crimes (25% rise in 2022 per FBI data) and campus incidents (41% increase from 2021-2022 per ADL). It calls on all Americans, including campus leaders and government agencies, to combat antisemitism and urges implementation of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. The resolution specifically requests increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to strengthen safety protections for Jewish communities. It directly affects Jewish Americans, campus communities, and government agencies responsible for hate crime prevention and community safety.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 78 is a symbolic resolution expressing Congress's recognition of public health professionals' contributions. It urges the nation to commend these workers on Public Health Thank You Day (November 20, 2023), highlighting their roles in disease prevention, maternal health, mental health support, and addressing health disparities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges their service through a non-binding statement. It directly affects public health professionals by publicly affirming their value to national health and safety. This is a ceremonial gesture with no concrete policy changes or legal effect.

Maddy summaryHR 6451, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2023, provides $250 million in federal grants to states, tribes, and localities to hire mental health professionals as first responders for specific emergencies. It directs these professionals to replace police in situations involving mental health crises, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities - such as when a 911 caller describes a mental health emergency or a first responder identifies someone needing mental health support. The bill requires grantees to train responders in de-escalation techniques, link individuals to community-based services (not incarceration), and report on outcomes like reduced arrests or use of force. It also mandates data collection on demographics and prevents funneling people into institutional settings, with annual reports to Congress on program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThe MOMMIES Act (HR 6004) extends Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pregnant and postpartum individuals from 60 days to 1 year after pregnancy (or longer, at state's election), ensuring continuous health coverage during this critical period. The bill requires states to provide full medical benefits, including oral health services, to pregnant and postpartum individuals for the entire coverage period. It establishes a 5-year demonstration project to fund maternity care home models in at least 10 states, focusing on improving care for underserved populations and reducing racial and health disparities in maternal outcomes. The legislation also includes requirements for states to maintain current coverage levels, enhanced federal funding for these services, and mandates reports on coverage gaps and access to services like doulas and telehealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill excludes veterans' disability and dependency payments from income calculations for HUD housing assistance programs. It directly affects veterans and their families receiving disability compensation under Title 38, U.S. Code, by ensuring these benefits don't reduce their eligibility or housing assistance amounts. Specifically, it prevents HUD from counting these payments when determining eligibility, benefit amounts, or rent calculations for assisted housing. The policy change applies solely to HUD-administered housing programs, not other federal benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 6079, the CHILD Labor Act, strengthens protections against child labor by defining "oppressive child labor" more clearly and expanding prohibitions on children under 18 working in dangerous occupations like mining, manufacturing, and meat processing. The bill requires Federal contractors and recipients of Federal financial assistance to prevent child labor throughout their supply chains, with new reporting requirements and significant penalties for violations including fines up to $750,000 per violation causing death or serious injury. It creates a new "child labor tag" system to identify goods produced with child labor and establishes a system for victims to seek compensatory and punitive damages. The bill also mandates regular reports to Congress on work-related injuries and deaths, with data collection to be conducted in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.