Rep. Joseph D. Morelle

Maddy summaryHR 2947, the Deafblind DATA Act, requires the U.S. Census Bureau to publish an annual data table starting in 2026 showing individuals who reported both hearing and vision loss in the American Community Survey. The table will include demographic details (sex, race, age) and economic factors (employment, education, income, poverty status) for people in each state, without revealing personal identifiers. This bill directly addresses the lack of centralized data on the deafblind population (estimated at 10,000 children and 40,000 adults by the National Center on Deafblindness), which currently prevents accurate service planning. The Census Bureau must also report to Congress within 180 days on feasibility of expanding such data collection. The Act does not change existing services but aims to improve understanding of this population's needs through better data.

Maddy summaryHRES 332 is a resolution designating April 11-17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to raise awareness about maternal health disparities affecting Black women and birthing people in the U.S. It references CDC data showing Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women and that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. The resolution emphasizes the need to address systemic inequities contributing to these outcomes without creating new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic recognition to amplify community-led efforts, such as those by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 2831, the Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act, doubles the maximum loan amounts for certain small business energy projects under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, raising the cap from $5.5 million to $10 million for two specific loan categories. This directly affects small businesses seeking financing for energy-related investments, such as efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations. The bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to annually report to Congress on which industries and geographic areas receive these loans. These changes aim to increase access to capital for qualifying energy projects without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThe National Biotechnology Initiative Act of 2025 establishes a coordinated federal strategy for biotechnology across 14 participating departments and agencies, including Agriculture, Defense, and Health and Human Services. It creates a National Biotechnology Coordination Office and an Interagency Committee to oversee activities related to research, regulatory streamlining, workforce development, and international partnerships. The bill authorizes $22 million in fiscal year 2026, increasing to $35 million by 2027, and requires annual reports and a national strategy every five years. Key provisions include developing a centralized website for biotechnology information, standardizing regulatory pathways for biotechnology products, and improving workforce development programs. This legislation aims to reduce duplication, improve coordination across government departments, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in biotechnology.

Maddy summaryThe American Family Act (HR 2763) establishes a new refundable child tax credit that provides monthly payments to eligible families with children. It would pay $300 per month for each child under age 6 and $360 per month (120% of $300) for each child age 6 or older, with income limits of $150,000 for joint filers and $112,500 for other filers. The bill creates a "period of presumptive eligibility" to determine eligibility for monthly payments, allowing families to receive advance payments based on information from previous tax returns. This would directly affect millions of families with children who meet the income requirements, providing more consistent financial support throughout the year rather than an annual tax credit.

Maddy summaryHR 2799, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025, prohibits the sale, possession, and modification of devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms to mimic machine guns (commonly called "bump stocks"). It specifically bans manual, power-driven, or electronic devices designed to speed up firing, as well as modified firearms that achieve this effect. Owners of pre-existing modified firearms must register them within 120 days of the law's enactment, with exemptions for government entities and firearms already lawfully modified and registered before the bill passes. The bill does not restrict standard semi-automatic firearms or require registration of unmodified guns.

Maddy summaryThe NO FAKES Act of 2025 establishes legal rights for individuals to control how their voice and visual likeness are used in digital replicas, which are defined as highly realistic computer-generated representations readily identifiable as a specific person. The bill requires authorization from the individual or their designated right holder before using their likeness in digital replicas, with specific rules for minors (limiting licenses to 5 years) and post-mortem rights (allowing 10 years of protection with possible 5-year renewals). It creates civil liability for unauthorized use of digital replicas or for distributing products/services designed to create such replicas without authorization, with penalties ranging from $5,000 to $750,000 per violation depending on the entity involved. Online services are provided safe harbor protections if they follow procedures for handling takedown notices and have designated agents for copyright issues, while also including exemptions for news, commentary, criticism, and historical uses. The law preempts most state laws regarding digital likeness rights but has exceptions for certain historical uses, news, and sexually explicit content.

Maddy summaryHR 2753, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, is a procedural bill that would prevent Congress from using budget reconciliation to cut Medicaid or SNAP benefits. It amends the Congressional Budget Act to block reconciliation bills or amendments that reduce Medicaid enrollment/benefits (under Social Security Act Title XIX) or SNAP eligibility/benefits (under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008). This rule would apply until January 20, 2029, and only affects the budget reconciliation process, not the programs themselves. The bill does not change current benefit levels or eligibility rules for Medicaid or SNAP recipients.

Maddy summaryThe Raise the Wage Act of 2025 gradually increases the federal minimum wage from $9.50 to $17.00 per hour over six years, with annual adjustments based on median wage growth. It raises the base wage for tipped workers from $6.00 to $17.00 per hour, phasing out their separate minimum wage structure by 2029. The bill also eliminates special minimum wage certificates for disabled workers after 2029, requiring employers to pay the standard minimum wage. These changes apply to most covered workers, including tipped employees and those under 20, with specific transition timelines for each group.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisors. The Federal Labor Relations Authority would determine if state laws provide these rights, and if not, would establish them for affected employees. The bill guarantees public employees the right to form unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while requiring public employers to recognize unions and put agreements in writing. It also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would disrupt emergency services. This would apply to public employees in states that don't meet the federal standards for collective bargaining rights.