Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

Maddy summaryHR 9274, the SHAWL Act, establishes two new Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum. It authorizes both museums to be located within the National Mall’s "Reserve" area, overriding prior restrictions, and requires federal agencies managing potential sites to transfer jurisdiction to the Smithsonian after notifying congressional committees. The bill mandates that both museums accurately represent diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints within Latino and women’s communities through exhibits and programs, requiring input from a broad range of community experts. It also requires the Smithsonian to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing compliance with these representation requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a federal crime to steal packages that have been delivered by private carriers (like FedEx or UPS) but not yet received by the recipient. It directly affects package recipients, carriers, and thieves who target unclaimed deliveries left on porches or in mailboxes. The key provision amends federal law to include these delivered-but-unclaimed packages under the same legal protections as mail in transit. This changes the law to treat stolen packages at the delivery stage as a federal offense, similar to theft of postal mail. The bill does not create new penalties but expands existing theft statutes to cover this specific scenario.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 193 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It also prohibits the President from granting a pardon to themselves. The amendment would apply to all federal officers (such as the President, Vice President, and members of Congress) except for Congress members acting in their legislative role as defined in the Constitution. If ratified by 38 states, this change would become part of the U.S. Constitution, requiring no further congressional action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "PCOS Awareness Month" to highlight polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition affecting an estimated 5-10 million U.S. women and girls. It recognizes PCOS as a serious health issue linked to infertility, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mental health challenges, and other related conditions. The resolution urges increased public and medical education about PCOS, improved diagnosis, and research into better treatments, without creating new laws or funding. It directly supports women and girls living with PCOS by promoting awareness of its wide-ranging health impacts.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for veterans to apply for authorization after receiving emergency care at non-VA facilities. It requires the VA to consider such care authorized if veterans (or their representatives) submit an application within a deadline set by the VA - but this deadline cannot be earlier than 72 hours after discharge. The change directly affects veterans needing emergency medical treatment outside VA facilities, simplifying the process for documenting care. The key provision modifies 38 U.S.C. §1703(a)(3)(B) to provide a minimum 72-hour window for submission, reducing administrative barriers. The bill applies to emergency admissions occurring on or after its enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 3042 updates the eligibility rules for countries seeking to become "candidate countries" under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) program. It revises the income threshold to align with World Bank graduation standards and clarifies that U.S. waivers or suspensions of foreign aid restrictions no longer disqualify countries. The bill specifies that the MCC Board will make the final determination on candidate country status. This directly affects countries aiming to qualify for U.S. economic aid through the MCC program.

Maddy summaryHRES 1355 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors lineworkers who maintain electrical infrastructure under hazardous conditions, including during disasters, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while troubleshooting an electrical outage. The resolution encourages public recognition of these workers' contributions but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThe TAKE IT DOWN Act (HR 8989) creates new federal criminal penalties for publishing nonconsensual intimate images or deepfakes without consent, directly affecting platforms hosting user-generated content and individuals who share such material. It defines "deepfake" as AI-generated intimate content falsely depicting someone, and prohibits publishing these without consent - especially when the victim expected privacy - imposing fines or up to 3 years in prison for offenses involving minors. The bill also requires "covered platforms" (like social media sites) to establish a 48-hour removal process for reported nonconsensual content and shields platforms from liability when removing content in good faith. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these provisions as unfair or deceptive practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the "Mary Elizabeth 'Bettie' Cole Post Office Building." It updates all official references in federal documents, maps, and records to use this new name, with no changes to postal services or operations. The bill is purely procedural and honors Mary Elizabeth "Bettie" Cole through a naming convention.