Rep. Robert Menendez

This bill provides for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders, in recognition of their contribution to civil rights by fighting for equality in interstate travel.

Maddy summaryHR 869, the Keep Our PACT Act, mandates specific annual funding levels for two key education programs: Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For Title I, it requires funding in fiscal years 2026-2035 that equals the difference between the 2025 funding level and set annual dollar targets (e.g., $20.5 billion for 2026). For IDEA, it sets mandatory annual funding levels that gradually increase to reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students with disabilities by 2035. The bill directly affects public school districts and students, particularly those with disabilities, by guaranteeing these funding levels rather than relying on annual appropriations.

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 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.

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.

This bill increases the annual limit on the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenses (also referred to as the short line railroad tax credit) and expands eligibility for claiming the credit. Under current law, the tax credit is limited each tax year to $3,500 multiplied by the sum of the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer (miles owned or leased) and the number of railroad track miles assigned to the taxpayer by a Class II or III railroad (miles assigned). This bill increases the annual limit to $6,100 multiplied by the sum of miles owned or leased and miles assigned. The $6,100 amount used in the calculation of the tax credit limit is adjusted for inflation for tax years beginning after 2025. The bill also expands eligibility for the tax credit to include gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2024. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2015.