Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryHR 944, the Access to Counsel Act, requires U.S. immigration officials to provide certain immigrants a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel during key immigration processes. It directly affects U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents returning from travel, visa holders, refugees, asylees, and parolees subject to secondary or deferred inspection at ports of entry. The bill mandates that officials ensure access to counsel (including via phone) within one hour of inspection starting, allow counsel to present evidence, and accommodate in-person meetings when possible. It also requires officials to provide counsel access before accepting Form I-407 abandonment forms from lawful permanent residents, unless waived in writing. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment and preserves existing rights to counsel under other immigration laws.

Maddy summaryHR 854, the DERAIL Act, requires the Transportation Secretary to update federal regulations defining "high-hazard flammable train" to include any train carrying flammable liquids or gases in tank cars. It also mandates that rail carriers report all toxic-by-inhalation materials on such trains to emergency responders within 24 hours after a derailment. The bill directly affects rail companies transporting hazardous materials and emergency agencies responding to train accidents. These changes aim to improve safety communication and response during incidents involving dangerous goods.

Maddy summaryHR 897, the Aviation-Impacted Communities Act, makes communities located near airports but outside the current FAA noise standard (65 DNL) eligible for noise mitigation funding and establishes a process for these communities to formally seek designation. It requires the FAA to partner with the National Academy of Sciences to study aviation impacts at major airports, develop a diagnostic tool for community assessments, and create community boards to represent residents. These boards can request assessments, collaborate on action plans to address noise or emissions, and access grants for solutions like sound insulation, air filtration, or flight path changes. The bill authorizes $750 million for noise mitigation funding over 10 years, targeting residential areas, schools, hospitals, and other facilities affected by aircraft noise and emissions.

Maddy summaryHR 898 establishes two grant programs to address aviation noise and pollution impacts on communities near airports. First, it creates a 3-year EPA-funded research initiative (with $2.5-$5 million grants) to measure noise and emissions using advanced technology, producing neighborhood-level data to identify disproportionately affected areas. Second, it launches a mitigation grant program prioritizing communities identified in the research, funding projects like noise-reducing home retrofits, health services, and environmental programs for disadvantaged groups. The bill requires grantees to collaborate with local communities and report annually on services provided, demographic impacts, and how the work addresses environmental justice concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the FDA to request microbial sampling at large livestock facilities (concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs) during foodborne illness outbreaks to identify causes and protect public health. CAFOs must grant "reasonable access" for sampling of animals, plants, water, and the environment, though they can specify timing and location to avoid disruption. The law clarifies it does not impose new requirements beyond sampling for USDA-regulated foods (like meat or poultry) and requires sharing collected data with the USDA and public health agencies. It directly affects CAFOs and federal food safety agencies, focusing on outbreak response mechanisms.

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 768, the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act, requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how states and school districts currently teach about the Holocaust and antisemitism in K-12 schools. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teacher training, educational materials used, and assessment methods across all states and a representative sample of school districts and schools. It specifically aims to identify gaps, resources needed, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention in their teaching. The Museum must submit a report to Congress within three years of the bill's enactment, detailing findings on current practices and challenges. This bill does not mandate new teaching requirements but seeks to understand existing approaches to Holocaust education.

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.

Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025 This bill establishes grants to support mentoring programs for eligible youth (e.g., in-school youth, out-of-school youth, or youth who are failing academically or who meet specified criteria).  Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Labor to award competitive grants for certain community-based organizations or partnerships involving community-based organizations to (1) establish, expand, or support mentoring programs; (2) assist eligible youth enrolled in secondary schools in developing cognitive and social-emotional skills; and (3) prepare eligible youth for success in high school, postsecondary education, and the workforce. Additionally, Labor must work with the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Department of Education to (1) refer grant recipients to the National Mentoring Resource Center to obtain mentoring resources, and (2) provide grant recipients with information regarding transitional services for eligible youth returning from correctional facilities and transition services for students with disabilities. The bill also requires Labor's Chief Evaluation Office to study and report on mentoring programs.

Maddy summaryHRES 66 is a non-binding resolution affirming the U.S. government's leadership in global education. It calls on the State Department and USAID to prioritize quality, inclusive public education for girls, children with disabilities, and children in crisis settings, while integrating education into humanitarian responses. The resolution urges these agencies to meet existing commitments to international education programs and advance learning outcomes for marginalized youth worldwide. It does not create new laws or funding but emphasizes coordination across U.S. government agencies to support global education efforts.