Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently authorizes a grant program under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to help public housing agencies improve safety and security in federally assisted housing for low-income residents. It provides funding for specific items like security cameras, fencing, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and heating systems to address threats from crime, drug activity, and health hazards like extreme temperatures. Public housing agencies can apply for grants up to $250,000 per year (with higher limits for larger agencies), supported by $225 million annually in dedicated funding. The change replaces a temporary program, ensuring consistent resources for critical safety upgrades in public housing communities.

Maddy summaryHR 7335 establishes comprehensive humanitarian standards for individuals held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. The bill requires facilities to provide immediate health screenings within 12 hours (6 hours for high-risk individuals like children, pregnant people, or those with medical conditions), ensure access to adequate water, sanitation, food (with 2,000+ calories daily for adults), and age-appropriate shelter. It mandates specific facility standards including separate housing for males and females, accessible accommodations for people with disabilities, daily outdoor access for those detained over 48 hours, and proper medical equipment and personnel on-site. The bill also requires regular inspections, staff training on humanitarian protocols, and public reporting of sexual abuse complaints. These standards directly affect all individuals detained by ICE or CBP, with special protections for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant people, and those with medical needs.

Maddy summaryHR 6925, the Kennedy Center Protection Act, voids a December 2025 vote by the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees that renamed the facility "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts." The bill mandates the immediate removal of all changed signage and restores the original name "John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" in all official references, documents, and records. It also permanently prohibits the Board from voting to rename the Center, amending existing law to restrict their authority in this regard. The bill requires the Board to report on any public or private funds used for the previous renaming effort within 30 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Property Integrity Act (HR 6926) prohibits federal agencies from naming, renaming, designating, or redesignating any federal building, land, or asset after the current President. This law directly affects the process of naming federal properties during a President's term in office. It would prevent the practice of honoring sitting Presidents with federal property names, such as naming a courthouse or park after the President while they are still in office. The bill does not apply to properties named before a President took office or to post-presidency naming.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6803) is a commemorative resolution that renames Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, as the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station." It does not create new policies or affect funding; it solely changes the official name of the transit station and all federal references to it. The designation honors Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who represented New Jersey's 10th District and advocated for transit infrastructure during his service. The bill has no direct impact on transportation operations, riders, or policy - it is purely a ceremonial renaming.

Maddy summaryThe CARE for First Responders Act (HR 6601) provides mental health support specifically for first responders, including emergency personnel and 911 operators (defined as "qualified emergency response providers"). It requires the creation of a 24/7 confidential hotline via the 988 Suicide Lifeline, peer support programs staffed by trained responders, and mobile crisis units that offer on-site mental health services during major disasters. The bill mandates trauma-informed, culturally appropriate care and education to reduce stigma around mental health, with a focus on helping responders and their families adjust after disaster work. It authorizes $5 million annually (2026-2030) for these services through grants to state/local health entities.

Maddy summaryHR 7297, the "ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act," creates a direct legal path for individuals harmed by ICE or CBP officers to sue the U.S. government for constitutional violations. The bill amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow lawsuits when officers violate rights like due process, privacy, or free speech - without requiring proof that a government policy caused the harm. Monetary damages would come from specific federal appropriations, and the government waives its usual immunity from such lawsuits. This directly affects people subjected to unlawful immigration enforcement actions by these agencies. The bill does not change agency operations but provides a new civil remedy for victims.

Maddy summaryHR 7277, the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act, expands Medicare reimbursement to ambulance providers for non-transport emergency medical services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow reimbursement for on-scene care (like medical treatment at the location) provided on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of whether transport was offered. This directly affects ambulance service providers who currently may not receive payment for non-transport care. The bill requires reimbursement for these on-scene services to be comparable to transport reimbursement rates, ensuring consistent payment for similar care. The policy change takes effect in 2026, addressing a gap in coverage for emergency care delivered without patient transport.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 68 would require the President to remove U.S. military forces from Venezuela unless Congress has explicitly authorized their use through a declaration of war or a specific law. This applies to any U.S. Armed Forces currently stationed in Venezuela without such authorization. The resolution is based on the War Powers Resolution, which mandates congressional oversight of military deployments. It directs the immediate withdrawal of unapproved forces without adding new time limits or conditions.

Maddy summaryHRES 1018 is a resolution calling for the U.S. government and international partners to prioritize women's rights in Haiti's crisis response. It specifically demands ensuring at least 30% of Haiti's leadership positions (including security, humanitarian, and election roles) are held by women, funding services for gender-based violence survivors, and requiring gender-disaggregated data collection in all aid programs. The resolution also urges rebuilding U.S. Women, Peace, and Security programs and mandates that all policies address women's distinct needs in Haiti's transition. This resolution directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation and Haiti's transitional government, emphasizing that women's inclusion is critical for stability.