Rep. Shontel M. Brown

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the U.S. Code to expand appeal rights for certain postal employees. It allows non-unionized postal workers in supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, administrative, or managerial roles (covered under the Executive and Administrative Schedule) to directly appeal personnel decisions to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Previously, these employees may have lacked this specific appeal path. The change clarifies their eligibility under Section 1005(a)(4)(A)(ii)(I) of Title 39, U.S. Code, ensuring they can seek MSPB review for employment-related disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide written proposals to supervisors' organizations 60 days before pay/benefit decisions expire or after new collective bargaining agreements are reached. It directly affects postal supervisors and managers covered by collective bargaining agreements regarding their pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits. The key mechanism establishes clear timelines for negotiations and mandates that any dispute resolution panel must issue a binding final decision within 15 days of receiving input from both parties. This aims to streamline the process for resolving pay and benefits disputes between the Postal Service and supervisory staff organizations.

Maddy summaryThe HEAL Act (HR 603) requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how public elementary and secondary schools teach about the Holocaust and related antisemitism. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teaching methods (like project-based learning), instructional materials, and assessment approaches across states and school districts. It specifically analyzes whether Holocaust education is mandatory, optional, or integrated across subjects, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention. The resulting report, due within 180 days of the study or three years after enactment, will inform Congress but does not change current school policies. This is a data-gathering measure, not a policy mandate.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts federal employee pay rates for 2024. It increases basic pay for all federal workers under statutory pay systems and prevailing rate systems by 4.7%, and raises locality pay adjustments by 4.0%. These changes directly affect all federal employees covered by the specified pay systems, including those in wage areas and under sections 5348/5349 of Title 5. The bill implements these raises without altering existing pay system structures or requirements.

Identifying Mass Shooters Act This bill requires the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to report to Congress on the content patterns used by mass shooters through online platforms and social media channels. Additionally, the bill directs the NIJ to solicit applications for research grants on any items for further study that are identified in the report. Finally, the bill requires the NIJ to submit findings and federal legislative recommendations to Congress.

Maddy summaryHR 525, the Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to fund school-based mentoring for at-risk students in high-need schools. The bill defines "at-risk" students as those facing challenges like academic failure, homelessness, foster care, trauma, or involvement with juvenile justice. Grantees must provide mentors who complete trauma-informed training and background checks, while programs must track academic progress, social-emotional growth, and workforce readiness through annual reports. The initiative aims to improve school engagement, reduce dropout rates, and prepare students for postsecondary education and careers.

This resolution commends the role of the U.S. government in improving access to quality, inclusive education, and improved learning outcomes for the poorest and most marginalized children and adolescents around the world. It calls on the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to use all diplomatic, humanitarian, and developmental means to promote access to such quality education.

Maddy summaryHR 472, the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023, requires the Attorney General to develop a report within 150 days of enactment on programs to provide specialized mental health services for public safety officers (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) and telecommunicators. The report must propose evidence-based trauma care, peer support, and family services to address job-related PTSD and acute stress disorder, while ensuring confidentiality for those seeking help. It will also outline efficient implementation plans using in-person and telehealth options across state, tribal, territorial, and local levels, plus draft legislative language and funding estimates. The bill directly targets public safety workers facing significantly higher PTSD rates (30% vs. 20% general population) and elevated suicide risks, including an estimated 125-300 annual police suicides.

Maddy summaryHRES 49 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2023. It formally acknowledges Lunar New Year's origins in China over 4,000 years ago, its celebration across East and Southeast Asia (including the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese tradition and Year of the Cat in Vietnamese tradition), and its observance by millions of Asian Americans and others in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and all global communities celebrating this holiday and extends well-wishes for a prosperous new year. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to affirm cultural recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 408 amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to remove certain eviction records from consumer credit reports. It specifically excludes eviction information (including related debt collection) for actions occurring between March 13, 2020, and 30 days after the end of the federal COVID-19 emergency. This applies to tenants in residential properties whose landlords initiated evictions during that period, excluding mortgage foreclosures. The change affects credit reports issued after the bill's enactment date, preventing these pandemic-era evictions from negatively impacting credit scores.