Rep. Brendan F. Boyle

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.

Maddy summaryHR 4052, the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023, would establish a federally chartered National Infrastructure Bank to address the estimated $2.6 trillion infrastructure financing gap identified by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The bank would provide loans, loan guarantees, and blended financing for infrastructure projects in transportation, energy, environmental systems, broadband, and community development, with a total loan limit of $5 trillion. Projects must demonstrate public benefits including economic growth, job creation, environmental improvements, and community development, with priority given to disadvantaged communities and projects meeting specific criteria. The bank would be capitalized with up to $500 billion through the purchase of Treasury securities and other means, operating under a 25-member Board of Directors with oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.

Maddy summaryHR 4076 establishes a joint U.S.-Israel program to fund health technology development, authorizing $4 million annually (2024-2026) through the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. It requires Israel to match U.S. funding and focuses on collaborative projects in artificial intelligence, vaccines, telemedicine, diagnostic tests, and data-driven personalized medicine for emerging infectious diseases. The program can either build on an existing U.S.-Israel agreement or create a new one under a 2008 science cooperation framework. This bill directly affects U.S. federal health agencies and the Israeli government, with funds restricted to joint projects meeting specific technological and health priorities.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HRES 517) expresses congressional support for the existing tradition of observing the third Sunday in June as "Father's Day," which has been recognized since 1972. It acknowledges fathers' roles in families and society, citing statistics about fatherhood in the U.S. The resolution specifically urges support for policies like universal paid family leave, affordable childcare, and a permanent child tax credit - though these are framed as recommendations, not new laws. It does not create new legal requirements or change the Father's Day designation itself.

Maddy summaryHR 4172, the Hate Crimes Commission Act of 2023, establishes a 12-member United States Commission on Hate Crimes to investigate trends and improve responses to hate crimes. The commission, appointed by Senate and House leaders plus the Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services, will examine hate crime increases since 2015, factors driving them, and strategies to reduce underreporting to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System. It will also assess successful bias prevention efforts and online hate crime prevalence. Within one year of its formation, the commission must submit a report to Congress and the President with recommendations for federal agencies and community-based prevention programs. This bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies through reporting requirements and federal agencies through proposed policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 4184 repeals legal protections for gun manufacturers and sellers under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. It allows victims of gun violence to use gun trace data from the ATF's Firearms Trace System in civil court cases. This data, previously protected from discovery, can now be subpoenaed, admitted as evidence, and relied upon in lawsuits against gun sellers or manufacturers. The bill directly affects victims seeking legal recourse and gun industry defendants in civil litigation.

Maddy summaryThe American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 would create two pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrants. The "Dream Act" portion would provide conditional permanent resident status to individuals who entered the U.S. as children, have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and meet educational requirements (such as completing high school, earning a degree, or enrolling in education programs). The "American Promise Act" portion would provide permanent residency to individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of specific dates (January 1, 2017, or January 20, 2021). The bill includes provisions for background checks, fee exemptions for low-income applicants, and processes for removing conditional status after meeting specific criteria like completing higher education or earning income.

Maddy summaryHJRES 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the exception in the Thirteenth Amendment that allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. If ratified, this amendment would ban the use of forced labor in prisons as a criminal penalty, directly affecting how the U.S. criminal justice system handles sentencing. The resolution clarifies it does not interfere with voluntary work programs in correctional facilities, existing employment protections for incarcerated people, or community service alternatives. This change aims to eliminate a historical loophole that has disproportionately impacted Black Americans since the 1860s.

Maddy summaryHR 3962 establishes an Advisory Council to support victims of gun violence, directly affecting individuals impacted by gun violence (including survivors, witnesses, and relatives of victims) and the professionals who assist them. The council, composed of federal agency heads, victims, and victim assistance professionals, will assess needs, review existing programs, and compile accessible resources covering medical, financial, mental health, legal, and housing support. It must publish a public report within 180 days of enactment detailing best practices and gaps, with a follow-up report after two years. The council’s work will be shared online and distributed to congressional offices, state agencies, schools, and local prosecutors, with no new federal funding authorized for implementation.