Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Maddy summaryThe FRIDGE Act of 2023 authorizes $1 million annually (2024-2028) to provide technical assistance for improving cold chain infrastructure in developing countries. It directly affects U.S. agricultural exporters by addressing infrastructure gaps that cause food loss and export damage, and it targets developing nations needing upgrades to cold storage, transport, and port systems. The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to fund needs assessments, training, and infrastructure support through agreements with eligible trade organizations. This concrete funding mechanism aims to reduce food waste and expand U.S. agricultural exports by strengthening supply chains in key markets.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help communities address childhood trauma from violence or neglect. It authorizes $10 million annually (2024-2027) for states, local governments, tribes, and community organizations to establish "adverse childhood experiences response teams." These teams would develop protocols for trauma cases, connect families with mental health services, train first responders, and break down barriers to care. The program directly supports children exposed to trauma and the organizations providing services to them.

Maddy summaryHR 4610 amends federal tax law by changing a specific date in the Tax Reform Act of 1984 from October 9, 1969, to March 1, 1985. This adjustment aligns federal tax rules with the Texas Constitution, allowing the State of Texas to continue leveraging the Permanent University Fund (PUF) for public university funding without triggering federal tax penalties. The PUF, which supports Texas public universities, has historically benefited from a special tax rule enabling its financial investments, and this bill maintains that benefit. The change takes effect upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 4550 creates a federal grant program to help public elementary, secondary, and preschool schools recruit and retain paraprofessionals (school support staff like teaching assistants). The bill directs the Secretary of Education to fund state education agencies, which then distribute subgrants to schools - prioritizing those serving high numbers of low-income students - to support activities like mentoring programs, professional development, and wage increases or certification assistance (e.g., for special education or English learner support). States must report annually on wage baselines, paraprofessional numbers, and program outcomes. This bill directly affects schools and paraprofessionals, with funding authorized for fiscal years 2024-2028.

Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2023 would increase transparency in political spending by requiring organizations making campaign-related disbursements over $10,000 to disclose the names and addresses of their major donors, including the top five funders for political communications. It would close loopholes allowing foreign nationals to secretly fund election activities through corporations or other entities by expanding the definition of prohibited foreign contributions. The bill would mandate "stand by every ad" disclosure requirements for political communications across all media, including audio, video, and internet ads, requiring clear identification of funders. It would also require reporting of disbursements related to Federal judicial nominations, which currently aren't subject to disclosure requirements. These provisions would apply to corporations, labor organizations, and certain nonprofits that engage in political activity.

Maddy summaryThe IDEA Full Funding Act (HR 4519) mandates specific annual increases in federal funding for special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires Congress to appropriate increasing amounts each fiscal year - from $5.87 billion for 2024 up to $55.53 billion for 2033 - to reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for public schools by 2033. This directly affects all public school districts serving students with disabilities, as federal IDEA funding supports their special education services. The bill sets fixed dollar amounts or percentage targets (whichever is greater) for each fiscal year, aiming to gradually close the long-standing gap between promised and actual federal funding. It does not alter eligibility for services but mandates higher, phased funding levels to meet the 40% target.

Maddy summaryHR 4515, the PRIME Act, provides competitive federal grants to qualifying colleges and universities to improve athletic facilities and equipment. It directly affects small-endowment institutions (with endowments under $900 million) that generate less than $20 million annually from athletic programs. Grants of at least $250,000 can be used to build or upgrade stadiums, gyms, fields, or purchase event-related materials like uniforms and equipment, following NCAA/NAIA guidelines. The bill targets schools with limited athletic revenue, aiming to support infrastructure without funding staff salaries or general operations.

Maddy summaryHR 4466 would rename the National School Lunch Program Act from "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" to "Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act" to honor Jean E. Fairfax, a civil rights activist who advocated for equitable access to the program. The bill would update this name in the law and over 40 other federal statutes referencing the current title, but does not alter the program's operations, funding, or eligibility. It directly affects legal references in federal law without changing how the program serves students.

Maddy summaryHRES 566 is a non-binding resolution introduced by Representative Correa in 2023 that expresses the House of Representatives' support for recognizing and encouraging everyday acts of kindness as a means to strengthen community bonds and societal resilience. It does not create new laws or policies but symbolically affirms that kindness - defined as selfless actions without expectation of return - can improve social connections, health, and conflict resolution. The resolution serves as a statement of shared values rather than a concrete policy change.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation, sex characteristics, or gender identity.