Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 676) formally censures Representative Cory Mills for conduct deemed to discredit the House. It requires Mills to appear in the House chamber for the public reading of the censure resolution, as specified in the resolution's terms. The censure stems from allegations detailed in the resolution, including an alleged assault incident in February 2025 and disputes regarding Mills' Bronze Star award claims, though the resolution itself focuses solely on the formal reprimand. The action directly affects Mills as the sole recipient of the censure.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Medicaid payment rules to provide more financial support for safety-net hospitals - those serving high numbers of low-income patients. It allows states to use unspent federal funds from prior years to increase payments to these hospitals, without exceeding the overall annual funding cap. States cannot recoup payments already made to hospitals under older rules, and must report any increased payments in their annual Medicaid reports. The changes apply to payments for Medicaid plan years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 655 is a symbolic House resolution supporting the designation of August 17, 2025, as "Marcus Garvey Recognition Day." It cites Marcus Garvey's role as founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, his focus on Black economic independence through initiatives like the Black Star Line, and his 2025 posthumous presidential pardon. The resolution asks the President to issue a proclamation encouraging the public to observe the day with ceremonies. This is a commemorative gesture with no binding legal effect, intended to honor Garvey's historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 654) is a symbolic statement expressing the House's recognition of Marcus Garvey's historical contributions and calling for his exoneration. It states the House believes Garvey was innocent of his 1920s mail fraud conviction (which the resolution deems politically motivated), affirms his global leadership in human rights and economic self-sufficiency movements, and urges the President to clear his name. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a statement of congressional sentiment regarding Garvey's legacy. It directly affects how Garvey is formally recognized in U.S. history but has no legal effect on his historical record or current policy.

Maddy summaryHR 4966 prohibits grocery stores from selling items at "grossly excessive prices," defined as 120% or more above the average market price over the previous six months (with exceptions for unavoidable cost increases like supply chain issues). It bans using facial recognition or personal data to set different prices for individual customers (e.g., adjusting prices based on shopping history) and requires clear signage if facial recognition is used. Stores over 10,000 square feet must replace electronic shelf labels with physical price tags. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these rules, allowing consumers to seek $3,000 per violation or actual damages, with penalties for willful violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the removal of a statue honoring Albert Pike from its current location near Judiciary Square in Washington D.C. The National Park Service must take down the statue, which was erected in 1898. The Secretary of the Interior may donate the statue to a museum or similar institution for indoor display only, with the condition that if it is ever displayed outdoors, ownership reverts to the federal government. The bill directly affects the physical location of the statue and the National Park Service's management of it.

Maddy summaryHR 4917, the Expanding the VOTE Act, amends the Voting Rights Act to increase language access for voters. It expands the definition of "voting materials" to include digital formats and requires states to provide language assistance (both written and oral) for minority language groups, with special provisions for American Indian and Alaska Native languages when written translations aren't feasible. The bill creates grants to help jurisdictions provide voting materials in languages that don't currently trigger Section 203 coverage, and mandates a study on lowering population thresholds for language assistance requirements. This directly affects states, local election jurisdictions, and voters who speak minority languages, including those in communities not currently covered by existing language access rules.

Maddy summaryHR 4912, the Help America Run Act, amends federal campaign finance law to allow candidates to use campaign funds for essential personal expenses like childcare, elder care, and health insurance premiums (excluding current officeholders for health insurance). This directly affects everyday Americans - particularly working parents, caregivers, and those relying on employer health insurance - who face economic barriers to running for office. The bill’s key provision expands permissible campaign expenditures to cover these services when necessary for campaign activities or holding federal office. It aims to reduce financial hurdles for non-wealthy candidates, addressing findings that Congress underrepresents working-class individuals and women. The change would take effect upon the bill’s enactment.

Youth Voting Rights Act This bill expands voting access for youth. Specifically, the bill establishes a private right of action to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on age. Further, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment against age-based restrictions for voting by mail. Additionally, the bill directs each state to designate as voter registration agencies all offices within public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that provide assistance to students, implement a preregistration process to allow minors who are 16 years or older to register to vote in federal elections that take place when or after the preregistered individual turns age 18, and ensure the availability of polling places on campuses of IHEs (with the availability of waivers). The bill prohibits durational residency requirements for voting in all federal elections. Currently, this prohibition applies only to voting for the offices of President and Vice President. States and local jurisdictions with voter identification requirements must treat IHE-issued student identification cards as voter identification. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on trends related to voter registration, absentee voting, and provisional voting. The EAC must also collect and make publicly available certain data from states.

Maddy summaryThe Election Mail Act (HR 4915) establishes new standards for handling voting-by-mail materials in Federal elections. It requires the Postal Service to process absentee ballots the same day received, add postmarks showing mailing dates, and treat election mail as first-class with free postage for completed ballots. States must provide ballot return envelopes with tracking barcodes and accept mailed ballots postmarked on election day if received within 7 days. These provisions apply to Federal elections starting in 2026, with some requirements taking effect sooner.