Rep. Joyce Beatty

Maddy summaryHR 10198, the Promoting Diverse Investment Advisers Act, requires the Federal Reserve Board to set goals in its investment management agreements that prioritize using diverse individual-owned and controlled investment advisers and brokers/dealers. Specifically, it mandates that the Fed aim to maximize the use of firms owned (at least 51% by women, minorities, or veterans) or managed by such groups as intermediaries in its programs. The bill defines "diverse individual-owned and controlled firm" and requires the Fed to report on these goals in its annual report. This policy directly affects the Federal Reserve's investment agreements and the investment management industry by establishing new diversity requirements for firms working with the Fed.

Maddy summaryHR 10196, the "Strengthening Exports Against China Act," amends the Export-Import Bank Act to prevent certain financing from counting toward the Bank's rate calculations. Specifically, it excludes financing that helps replace or compete with products from entities on U.S. sanctions lists (like the Bureau of Industry and Security's Entity List or Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals list). The bill targets financing provided to entities competing with sanctioned Chinese companies, excluding such transactions from the Bank's rate calculations under section 8(g)(1). This change directly affects the Export-Import Bank's financing oversight and entities seeking U.S. export financing tied to competition with sanctioned Chinese businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the operating period for the African American Civil Rights Network program from 7 years to 10 years after the act's enactment. It directly affects the existing program, which supports organizations preserving civil rights history and promoting education, by allowing it to continue operating for a longer duration without needing new congressional approval. The change is a straightforward extension of an existing authorization period under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1558) is a symbolic House of Representatives measure supporting October as "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally expresses the House's support for raising awareness about domestic violence and its impacts, and urges continued backing for existing programs that address domestic violence. The resolution cites statistics on domestic violence prevalence (e.g., 24 people per minute affected by intimate partner violence) to underscore the importance of the observance. It directly affects public awareness efforts but does not change policies or directly impact individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how disability benefits are treated for homeless disabled veterans seeking housing assistance. It excludes certain disability payments (under Chapter 11 or 15 of Title 38, U.S. Code) from income calculations when determining eligibility for HUD-assisted housing programs, including the supported housing program under Section 8(o)(19) and housing on Department property. Specifically, it ensures these benefits are not counted toward income for housing eligibility, though they still count for "adjusted income" definitions. The bill directly affects disabled veterans applying for HUD housing assistance who receive these specific disability benefits. It makes a concrete change to income calculation rules without altering benefit amounts or creating new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the International Financial Institution Improvements Act of 2024, aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and human rights protections in international financial institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It requires institutions to publicly share project details in simple terms for host country citizens, engage meaningfully with civil society organizations throughout project development, and implement stronger safeguards against corruption and human rights abuses. The bill directs U.S. representatives to advocate for debt relief for countries affected by climate disasters, oppose projects with human rights concerns, and support initiatives that decrease reliance on Russia for agricultural commodities. Additionally, it includes provisions for capital increases for the African Development Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Maddy summaryThe Financial Empowerment and Protection Act requires companies like utilities, internet providers, landlords, and mortgage lenders to allow adults living together who agree to share a household to open joint accounts for managing services and bills. These accounts must be in both adults' names, and companies must provide access to account details, online portals, and billing information upon request. Companies must also notify cohabitating adults about shared information and comply with privacy notices, with individuals able to sue for up to $1,000 per violation for non-compliance. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 1537 is a non-binding House resolution condemning Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, including 7 Americans still held captive. It calls on Hamas to immediately surrender, cease attacks, and release all hostages unconditionally, while reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense. The resolution also urges international organizations to condemn Hamas' actions and address the global surge in antisemitism following the attacks. As a symbolic statement, it does not create new laws or alter policy but expresses congressional position. The bill specifically references the ongoing captivity of seven U.S. citizens: Edan Alexander, Itay Chen, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judith Weinstein Haggai, Omer Neutra, and Keith Siegel.

Maddy summaryThe National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024 creates a federal grant program to help states implement or expand initiatives that provide medically prescribed, nutrient-rich food (like fresh produce or tailored meals) to address chronic health conditions and food insecurity. States must partner with healthcare providers and community organizations to offer these interventions, using locally-sourced, sustainably produced food grown through regenerative or organic methods. The program requires states to evaluate outcomes like reduced hospital visits and improved health metrics, with reports submitted to the federal government after three years. It directly affects state Medicaid programs and healthcare providers participating in these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally censures Representative Glen Clay Higgins (LA-03) for a September 25, 2024, social media post containing racist remarks and false claims about Haitians. The bill requires Higgins to appear in the House chamber to receive the censure, with the resolution publicly read by the Speaker. It specifically references his post describing Haiti as "the nastiest country," falsely accusing Haitians of eating pets, and labeling them "slapstick gangsters and thugs." The censure is a formal disciplinary action by the House, not a policy change.