Rep. Ayanna Pressley

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 61 is a symbolic resolution designating January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to celebrate the contributions of Muslim Americans to U.S. society. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups legally, but formally recognizes their historical and cultural impact through non-binding support. The resolution highlights Muslim Americans' roles in fields like business, science, military service, and the arts, while acknowledging challenges like religious discrimination. It urges the public to observe the month with ceremonies celebrating their heritage.

Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.

Maddy summaryThe Close the Medigap Act of 2025 would prohibit Medigap insurance issuers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on health status, pre-existing conditions, genetic information, or other factors. It requires insurers to spend a minimum percentage of premiums on health care claims and improves the Medicare Plan Finder website to provide clearer information about coverage options, out-of-pocket costs, and guaranteed issue requirements. The bill applies to Medigap policies effective January 1, 2026, with full implementation by 2031, and requires Medigap brokers to disclose payments they receive from insurers. These changes would directly affect Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with pre-existing conditions who have historically faced barriers to obtaining affordable supplemental coverage.

Maddy summaryHR 485, the Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award a gold medal in recognition of Muhammad Ali's lifetime contributions to sports, civil rights, and humanitarian causes. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike the medal and present it to Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, following his death in 2016. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure with no policy impact, solely honoring Ali's legacy through a symbolic medal.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 16 proposes a constitutional amendment to extend voting rights to all U.S. citizens aged 16 and older, repealing the 26th Amendment that currently sets the voting age at 18. It would directly affect 16- and 17-year-old citizens by allowing them to vote in federal elections for the first time. The amendment grants Congress authority to pass laws enforcing this change, and requires ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryThe Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution (HRES 23) would allow U.S. House Members who have given birth or whose spouse has given birth to appoint another Member as a proxy to cast their vote or record their presence in the House and committees for up to 12 weeks after childbirth. To use this, the new parent must submit a signed letter to the Clerk detailing the birth or medical condition and naming the proxy; the proxy must vote exactly as instructed and announce the vote as "by proxy." The proxy vote does not count toward quorum, and the new parent can revoke the proxy at any time by submitting a new letter or casting their own vote. This resolution applies to all House Members, including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, though they cannot cast votes for the House itself.

Maddy summaryHR 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, repeals two provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for certain government workers. It eliminates the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which cuts spousal or survivor benefits for people with pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security (like federal or state government roles), and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which lowers retirement benefits for those with similar pensions. The law takes effect for benefits paid after December 2023, requiring the Social Security Administration to adjust benefit calculations to remove these reductions. This change directly affects public-sector employees who previously had their Social Security benefits reduced due to their government pensions.

Maddy summaryHR 40 would establish a 15-member commission to study the legacy of slavery and systemic discrimination against African Americans in the United States, and develop proposals for reparations. The commission would examine historical and ongoing effects of slavery, discriminatory policies (including redlining and educational disparities), and recommend remedies through education and potential reparations. Composed of members appointed by the President, House Speaker, and Senate President pro tempore, the commission would have 18 months to submit a report to Congress, with $20 million authorized for its work. This legislation creates a study process but does not provide reparations directly.

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States. The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits. The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives. The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services.  The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.