Rep. Grace Meng

Maddy summaryHR 922, the Period PROUD Act of 2025, allocates $1.9 billion annually (2025-2028) through the Social Services Block Grant Program, with $200 million specifically dedicated each year (2026-2029) to provide free menstrual products to low-income menstruating individuals. It requires states to distribute these funds to eligible nonprofits with experience in community distribution of basic needs, integrating the program with existing services like SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC. The bill mandates that funds supplement, not replace, other existing programs, prohibits limiting where products can be distributed, and caps administrative costs at 9% of allocated funds. States must report annually and an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness will be completed by 2031.

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 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 resolution (HRES 87) commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It formally calls on all people in the United States to remember the 1.1 million victims murdered at Auschwitz during the Holocaust, honor Holocaust survivors, and commit to combating anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance. The resolution cites rising anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. (including a 63% increase in hate crimes from 2022-2023) as context for its commemorative purpose. It makes four specific, non-binding calls: to remember victims, honor survivors, work toward tolerance, and combat all forms of anti-Semitism. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any specific group.

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 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 summaryHRES 75 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year (celebrated as the Year of the Snake in 2025). It acknowledges Lunar New Year's origins in China over 4,000 years ago, its global celebration as Seollal (Korea) and Tết (Vietnam), and its importance to Asian American communities in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and others celebrating the holiday and wishes them a happy new year, but it creates no new laws, funding, or obligations. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 77) supports designating January 30, 2025, as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution" to honor Japanese American civil rights advocate Fred Korematsu. It commemorates his 1944 legal challenge to the WWII internment of Japanese Americans under Executive Order 9066, which was later overturned after evidence revealed government misconduct. The resolution encourages public reflection on preserving civil liberties during national emergencies, referencing Korematsu's later warnings about post-9/11 civil liberties threats. It is a symbolic gesture with no binding legal effect, building on existing state designations in seven states.

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.