Rep. Marc A. Veasey

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally censures Representative Glen Clay Higgins (LA-03) for a September 25, 2024, social media post containing racist remarks and false claims about Haitians. The bill requires Higgins to appear in the House chamber to receive the censure, with the resolution publicly read by the Speaker. It specifically references his post describing Haiti as "the nastiest country," falsely accusing Haitians of eating pets, and labeling them "slapstick gangsters and thugs." The censure is a formal disciplinary action by the House, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 9821, the Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2024, amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act to establish a national definition for "forage fish" (small, schooling species like herring that support marine predators) and require fisheries management to protect their ecological role. It mandates that fishery councils assess annual catch limits based on the dietary needs of predators (such as tuna and marine mammals) and develop management plans for unmanaged forage fish species. The bill specifically directs immediate action to include river herring and shad in Atlantic fisheries management plans within 180 days. Implementation timelines include a 12-month definition deadline and 5-year phase-in for catch limit adjustments.

Maddy summaryHR 1719, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, establishes a presumption that certain cancers diagnosed in public safety officers (like police and firefighters) are work-related if linked to their duties. It defines 22 specific cancers (including lung, mesothelioma, and WTC-related cancers) as "exposure-related," allowing officers or their families to receive benefits without proving direct work connection, provided they were diagnosed within 15 years of leaving active service. The bill also creates a process for adding new cancers to the list based on scientific evidence, requiring the Bureau to review petitions and make decisions within 180 days. This applies to deaths or disabilities occurring on or after January 1, 2023, directly affecting officers who developed covered cancers during service.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 130 is a symbolic concurrent resolution commending state and local governments that treat reproductive rights as human rights following the *Dobbs* decision. It recognizes efforts by cities like Austin, Texas, and Montgomery County, Maryland, to expand abortion access and condemn criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. The resolution affirms that reproductive rights are human rights, urges states to repeal restrictive laws, and references U.S. obligations under international human rights treaties. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 1485 designates the third Friday of September each year as "National POW/MIA Recognition Day" to honor prisoners of war and missing-in-action military personnel. The resolution expresses the House's support for this designation and encourages Americans to observe the day through community commemorations, displaying the POW/MIA flag, and performing acts of service for families of those affected. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies but builds on the existing National POW/MIA Flag Act (Public Law 116-67) that requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown on federal properties. The resolution focuses on symbolic recognition and public engagement rather than substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin and place it in the U.S. Capitol. The committee must secure the statue within two years of the bill's enactment and install it in a public-accessible location by January 1, 2026, for viewing during Capitol Visitor Center guided tours. It is a procedural measure with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHRES 1461 is a symbolic resolution designating September 2024 as "National Voting Rights Month" to raise awareness about voting access. It encourages all U.S. citizens to uphold voting rights, supports existing voting rights legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act, and recommends schools teach about voting history and current restrictions. The resolution specifically aims to highlight efforts to address historical and ongoing barriers affecting historically marginalized groups, including Black, Latino, and disabled voters. It does not create new laws but promotes educational initiatives and media campaigns about registration deadlines and election access.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to notify registered voters at least 7 days before federal elections if their polling place has changed from the previous federal election. If a polling place change occurs less than 7 days before an election, states must make reasonable efforts to allow voters to cast ballots at their previous polling location on election day. It applies to all voters affected by such changes for federal races (e.g., presidential, congressional), with requirements taking effect for elections on or after January 1, 2026. The bill amends the Help America Vote Act to establish these notification standards, directly impacting voters and state election administrators.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to fund supportive services for residents in affordable housing properties. It provides 5-year competitive grants to non-profit organizations or tribes managing properties assisted by programs like the low-income housing tax credit or Section 8 housing. Grantees must use at least 25% of funds for staff salaries/benefits and can cover services including health access, education, financial literacy, aging-in-place support, and disability services - though residents cannot be required to accept these services. The program targets residents of qualifying affordable housing properties, focusing on improving health, economic stability, and community integration.