Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits defendants in federal criminal cases from using a victim's LGBTQ identity (sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression) as a defense to excuse or reduce punishment for violent crimes. It amends federal law to ban arguments that claim a "nonviolent sexual advance" or inaccurate perception of someone's LGBTQ status justified the defendant's actions. The law allows limited admission of past trauma evidence under standard federal rules but requires the Attorney General to annually report on federal prosecutions involving bias-motivated violence against LGBTQ individuals. This directly affects defendants in federal court cases where such defenses were previously used, aiming to end the practice of treating LGBTQ victims' identities as justification for violence.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 537) formally impeaches former President Donald J. Trump for alleged constitutional violations related to military action. It specifically accuses him of ordering U.S. military strikes on Iran on June 21, 2025, without Congress’s approval or timely notice - a direct violation of the Constitution’s War Powers Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress sole authority to declare war. The resolution claims this action, taken despite no imminent threat to the U.S., undermined separation of powers and endangered democratic norms. As a procedural impeachment resolution (not a law), it seeks to transmit charges to the Senate for trial.
Maddy summaryHRES 540 is a non-binding House resolution supporting the "Equity or Else" quality-of-life platform as a framework for policy development. It urges the House of Representatives to adopt this framework - which focuses on addressing racial and economic disparities in areas like housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunity - to guide its policy-making. The resolution emphasizes centering impacted communities in equity efforts but does not create new laws or allocate funds.
Maddy summaryThe Women's Health Protection Act of 2025 would protect access to abortion services across the United States by prohibiting states from imposing restrictions that are more burdensome than those on comparable medical procedures. The bill directly affects people seeking abortion care and health care providers by banning restrictions such as mandatory in-person visits, requirements for specific tests, limitations on telemedicine, and rules based on a patient's reason for seeking abortion. It prohibits state laws that single out abortion for unnecessary restrictions while allowing post-viability abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life or health. The bill preempts conflicting state laws and provides enforcement mechanisms through private lawsuits and actions by the Attorney General.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state officials from blocking abortion access for patients traveling from other states, including restricting providers who offer legal abortions in their state to out-of-state patients. It protects people traveling across state lines for legal abortions, those assisting such travel, and the interstate transport of FDA-approved abortion medication. Violations can be challenged by the Justice Department or affected individuals through civil lawsuits seeking injunctions and damages. The law applies broadly across all states, territories, and tribal nations, defining "abortion service" to include both medical procedures and related care.
Maddy summaryHR 4104 would expand access to Medicaid, CHIP, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) health coverage for immigrants lawfully present in the U.S., including those with deferred action or pending immigration applications. It removes state-level barriers to Medicaid/CHIP eligibility for lawfully present individuals, treats Federally authorized presence as "lawfully present" for ACA subsidies, and allows states to choose to cover undocumented individuals through Medicaid or CHIP. The bill also extends these changes to Medicare Part A and Part B, ensuring lawfully present immigrants qualify for coverage and subsidies under existing programs. These provisions apply to all federally funded health programs and take effect in 2026 for most ACA-related changes.
Maddy summaryHR 910, the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025, directs the U.S. Governor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to actively support Taiwan's membership application and participation. The bill requires the U.S. to use its IMF voting influence to back Taiwan's admission, its economic policy consultations, employment opportunities for Taiwanese staff, and technical assistance - without restricting Taiwan's participation due to its non-state status. It mandates annual reports on U.S. efforts to advance Taiwan's IMF involvement and expires if Taiwan gains membership or after 10 years. The bill does not alter IMF membership rules but directs U.S. policy to align with historical U.S. support for Taiwan's meaningful engagement in international financial institutions.
Maddy summaryThe Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025 creates a federal program to provide financial assistance to first-generation homebuyers for down payments, closing costs, and other home purchase expenses. It authorizes $100 billion in funding to be distributed through states and eligible entities, with grants that can cover up to $20,000 or 10% of a home's purchase price (whichever is greater). To qualify, homebuyers must meet income limits (up to 120-140% of median area income), be first-time homebuyers with no prior home ownership by their parents, and complete homebuyer counseling. The program requires recipients to occupy homes as primary residences for at least five years, with repayment required if they sell sooner, and states must report on program demographics to ensure equitable outcomes.
Maddy summaryHCONRES 37 is a non-binding congressional resolution urging the President to establish a U.S. Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. The resolution does not create the commission itself but calls for its formation to acknowledge historical racial injustices (like discriminatory housing policies, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and forced Native American boarding schools) and catalyze efforts to eliminate racial inequities. The commission would focus on dismantling the "belief in a hierarchy of human value" and advancing racial healing, complementing ongoing efforts like H.R. 40 (the reparations study bill). It directly affects federal leadership (via the President) and aims to guide national policy, though it has no legal force.
Maddy summaryHRES 514 is a resolution commemorating the ninth anniversary of the June 12, 2016, Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, which killed 49 people. It honors the victims and their families, recognizes the bravery of first responders, and affirms the need for continued efforts on gun safety and mental health legislation. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic statement of remembrance and support for the affected community. It directly addresses the House of Representatives and the public, emphasizing unity in the face of hate.