Rep. Val T. Hoyle

This resolution expresses support for (1) equal rights and protections for all people, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics; and (2) the designation of LGBTQI+ Equality Day to commemorate Supreme Court decisions handed down on June 26 in 2003, 2013, and 2015. The resolution also acknowledges the need for further legislation to ensure that people in the United States are free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.

Healthcare Equality and Rights for Our Heroes Act or the HERO Act This bill allows claims to be brought against the United States for damages relating to the personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in providing medical, dental, or related health care functions at a military medical treatment facility. However, the bill does not apply to care provided at a medical treatment location deployed in an area of armed combat.

Maddy summaryThe PRIDE Act of 2023 amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace gender-specific terms like "husband and wife" with gender-neutral language such as "married couple" or "spouses" across numerous tax code sections. This bill affects all legally married couples who file federal tax returns by updating language in over 30 sections of the tax code related to filing status, deductions, credits, and other tax matters. The bill is a language update that makes the tax code more inclusive without changing existing tax treatment for married couples. It does not alter tax rates, benefits, or policies, but ensures all provisions apply equally regardless of gender.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Act of 2023 extends a 2018 law that prohibits slaughtering animals for human consumption to include horses, donkeys, and other equine animals, such as ponies. It amends Section 12515 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 by updating the language to replace "dog or cat" with "dog, cat, or equine" in both the section title and the main prohibition. This change directly affects the livestock industry and slaughter facilities by banning the processing of equines for food. The bill modifies existing law without adding new enforcement mechanisms, closing a gap in animal protection.

Maddy summaryTim's Act establishes pay parity for federal wildland firefighters by creating special base pay rates that are higher than standard General Schedule rates, with specific percentage increases (ranging from 1.5% to 27%) for different grades. It also creates incident standby premium pay (50% of basic pay) for designated sleep/rest periods during wildfire incidents and requires rest and recuperation leave after qualifying incidents. The bill includes provisions for tracking chronic diseases through a new database, mental health support programs, and retirement benefits specifically for wildland firefighters. It directly affects federal wildland firefighters employed by the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, and Tribal Firefighters who maintain specific qualifications for wildland fire management.

Maddy summaryThe Ending Homelessness Act of 2023 would expand housing assistance for low-income families by creating a new entitlement program for housing choice vouchers starting in 2028, with 500,000 new vouchers in 2024 and 1,000,000 annually through 2027. It would provide $1 billion annually for emergency relief grants to address unmet needs of homeless populations, prioritizing jurisdictions with the highest need and local policies that decriminalize homelessness. The bill prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income, including rental vouchers and Social Security benefits, and repeals current ineligibility criteria for housing programs. It also permanently authorizes funding for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act grants and expands eligibility for private nonprofit and faith-based organizations to receive housing assistance. The bill directly affects extremely low-income families, homeless individuals, and housing providers by increasing access to affordable housing and reducing barriers to housing stability.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Crisis Response Act of 2023 authorizes over $100 billion in funding for housing programs, including $10 billion for public housing capital improvements, $9.9 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and $1.77 billion for energy efficiency improvements in affordable housing. It creates new down payment assistance programs for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, expands housing vouchers for vulnerable populations including those experiencing homelessness, and establishes new requirements for accessible housing units. The bill mandates that many housing projects maintain affordability for at least 20 years and includes specific provisions for rural housing, Native American communities, and lead-based paint hazard control. It also creates a new Housing Investment Fund to support affordable housing development and preservation, primarily for low-, very-low, and extremely low-income renters.

CHAMPVA Online Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a system under which applications for benefits under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) may be submitted electronically through a VA website. The VA must also take other steps to ensure the online administration of the program.

Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) would amend federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing, employment, credit, and jury service. It amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under existing sex discrimination provisions. The bill would require businesses, housing providers, employers, and government entities to provide equal access and services without regard to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation to clarify protections across all covered areas. The law would apply to all entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including those receiving federal funding.

Maddy summaryHR 4121, the Right to Contraception Act, establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and contraception services without government restriction or coercion, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers. The bill prohibits state or federal laws that limit access to contraceptives (defined broadly to include devices, drugs, and fertility methods), prevent individuals from obtaining or using them, or allow providers to refuse services based on personal beliefs. It preempts conflicting state laws, requires any restrictions to be justified by "clear and convincing evidence" of advancing access with no less restrictive alternative, and allows private lawsuits to challenge violations. The Act applies nationwide to all health care providers and individuals, protecting access regardless of factors like race, income, or location.