Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program within the Fulbright exchange system to honor civil rights leader John Lewis and advance U.S. foreign policy through global civil rights education. It creates a new fellowship for U.S. early- to mid-career professionals, selecting at least 25 annually for 10-month programs to conduct research or intern with approved organizations in countries participating in Fulbright exchanges. Fellows must complete a work plan, attend an orientation in Washington, DC, and present findings at an annual summit, with the State Department covering costs for travel, lodging, and expenses. The program requires annual reports on participant demographics and program effectiveness, and expires seven years after enactment.

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 summaryThis symbolic House Resolution (HRES 526) reaffirms U.S. commitment to refugee safety and well-being, introduced around World Refugee Day (June 20, 2023). It cites UNHCR data showing over 108 million displaced people globally and highlights historically low U.S. refugee admissions (11,411 in FY2021, 25,465 in FY2022). The resolution calls on U.S. officials to restore asylum protections, meet robust refugee admissions goals, support host countries, and advance refugee rights through international partnerships. It does not create new law but expresses bipartisan support for strengthening U.S. leadership in refugee protection.

Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2023 This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms. Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.

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 summaryThis bill amends the 21st Century Cures Act to allow states and tribes to use federal grant funds for fentanyl and xylazine test strips. It directly affects state and tribal programs receiving opioid response funding under the Cures Act, enabling them to cover these drug testing strips. The key provision adds "fentanyl or xylazine test strips" to the list of eligible items that can be purchased with existing grant money. This change makes it easier for local programs to access tools that detect dangerous opioids in illicit drugs, without creating new funding. The bill focuses on expanding current grant flexibility, not changing broader opioid policy.

Maddy summaryThe Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2023 creates a federal grant program to help air pollution control agencies establish clean air centers and provide free air filtration units to low-income households with vulnerable members during wildfire smoke events. It directly affects households in low-income communities that include individuals at high risk from wildfire smoke due to health conditions, disability, or age. The program requires agencies to partner with community organizations, set up accessible clean air centers in smoke-prone areas, distribute at least 1,000 free air filtration units per program (with one replacement per unit), and collect usage data through surveys. The bill authorizes $30 million over three years for these grants, with a requirement for agencies to report program outcomes to Congress within three years.

Pre-Pilot Pathway Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an apprenticeship program with flight schools in order to establish a commercial pilot pipeline; DOT must issue any necessary regulations to implement the program within one year of the bill's enactment. Each flight school participating in the program may select up to eight applicants per academic year to serve as apprentices. DOT must take appropriate actions to develop methods to incentivize pilots, including retired pilots, to become flight school instructors. This includes developing pathway programs for pilots to gain initial qualification or concurrent qualification as certified flight instructors.

Maddy summaryHR 4166, the Support UNFPA Funding Act, authorizes annual U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) over five years. It directly supports UNFPA’s global programs serving women and girls in over 150 countries, particularly focusing on reducing preventable maternal deaths, expanding access to contraception, ending gender-based violence, and addressing harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. The bill specifically directs funding toward UNFPA’s core work in developing nations, humanitarian crises (such as in Ukraine and Yemen), and rebuilding health systems post-pandemic, without altering UNFPA’s existing operations or policies.

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.