Rep. Jasmine Crockett

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 summaryThis bill requires all high schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to make a financial literacy course mandatory for graduation. It applies specifically to students in DoDEA high schools, beginning with those entering ninth grade one year after the bill's enactment. The law mandates that students complete this dedicated course before graduating, replacing any existing requirements for this subject. The course aims to teach practical money management skills to military-connected students as part of their high school curriculum.

Maddy summaryHR 4122, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Henrietta Lacks for her contribution to medical science through the HeLa cell line. The bill directs the Treasury to strike the medal recognizing how her cells enabled major medical advances, including the polio vaccine and cancer treatments, without altering any laws or policies. The medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution to commemorate her legacy in scientific research and bioethics. This is a purely commemorative measure with no direct effect on current legislation or affected individuals.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 4074, the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2023, prohibits distributing online digital instructions (like 3D printer files) that can automatically create firearms or firearm parts. It directly affects individuals or entities sharing such digital files over the internet. The bill adds a new federal law making it unlawful to intentionally distribute these files, aiming to prevent untraceable firearms from being made without serial numbers, which law enforcement cannot track in criminal investigations. This addresses concerns that 3D-printed guns evade detection and undermine firearm tracing systems.

Maddy summaryThe GLOBE Act of 2023 requires the U.S. Department of State to document and report on violence and discrimination against LGBTQI people worldwide in annual country reports, with specific requirements to identify countries criminalizing LGBTQI status. It establishes a Special Envoy for LGBTQI Human Rights to coordinate U.S. government efforts internationally and creates targeted sanctions against foreign officials responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI individuals, including denying visas and imposing financial penalties. The bill also includes provisions to improve U.S. foreign assistance programs to better support LGBTQI communities, reform immigration processes to better protect LGBTQI asylum seekers, and ensure inclusive policies in diplomatic and consular settings. These measures aim to advance LGBTQI rights globally through diplomatic, financial, and policy mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHRES 490 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of June 12-18, 2023, as "National Men’s Health Week." It acknowledges persistent health disparities affecting men (such as higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and lower healthcare engagement) and urges the public to focus on preventive care. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide observance through awareness events and health screenings. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes an existing annual observance established since 1994.

Maddy summaryThe AUKUS Undersea Defense Act authorizes the transfer of Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. Navy to Australia as part of the trilateral security partnership between the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom. It establishes procedures for Australia to pay for these submarines and related costs, while creating a "Submarine Security Activities Account" to accept Australian contributions for non-nuclear aspects of submarine security activities. The bill also includes provisions for repair/refurbishment of submarines and training to support the development of Australia's submarine industrial base. These measures aim to enhance undersea capabilities and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region among the three nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies collecting demographic survey data to begin including questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics (intersex traits) within 360 days of enactment. Agencies must review existing surveys to identify gaps, develop privacy-protective methods for collecting this data (including anonymization and data destruction protocols), and incorporate it into relevant reports within three years. The law applies to all federal surveys that collect standard demographic data (like race, ethnicity, and age), such as the census or health surveys, but does not compel individuals to disclose their status. It emphasizes maintaining confidentiality, allows limited agency waivers if standards can't be met, and mandates a congressional report on implementation within two years.

Maddy summaryHR 3953, the Debt Ceiling Reform Act, changes how Congress can block the Treasury from borrowing more money. It requires the Treasury to notify Congress when debt approaches a $1 trillion increment, giving Congress 30 days to pass a resolution disapproving further borrowing. The bill mandates strict timelines: the House must act within 6 days of introduction (with committees required to report bills within 5 days), and the Senate must consider the resolution within 6 days with limited debate. This process directly affects the Treasury’s ability to issue debt and Congress’s procedural control over debt ceiling decisions. The bill does not eliminate the debt ceiling but streamlines the disapproval process.