Rep. Becca Balint

Maddy summaryHR 8061, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024, ensures stable funding for the Crime Victims Fund by directing certain False Claims Act collections into it from 2024 through 2029. Specifically, it adds a provision requiring that amounts collected under the False Claims Act (excluding whistleblower rewards and government reimbursement for damages) be deposited into the fund during this period. This directly affects crime victims who rely on the fund for services like counseling and emergency aid, as it prevents potential shortfalls in funding. The bill makes a concrete policy change by redirecting specific federal civil penalties into the fund, rather than altering the fund's existing purposes or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or moving operations at any processing and distribution center in a region that missed specific delivery targets in the previous year. It directly affects USPS operations in regions failing to meet two key 2023 performance goals: at least 93% on-time delivery for two-day first-class mail and 90.3% for three-to-five-day first-class mail. The restriction applies annually during any calendar year based on the prior year's performance data. The law aims to protect postal facilities in underperforming areas from closure due to delivery metrics.

Maddy summaryThe Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 extends funding for existing federal reentry programs through 2029, replacing previous 2019-2023 funding periods. It specifically adds new provisions requiring state and local reentry projects to include peer recovery services, substance use disorder treatment, case management, overdose reversal medications, and reentry housing. These changes directly affect state/local governments, prisons, and nonprofit organizations administering reentry services for people returning to communities after incarceration. The bill does not create new programs but continues and refines current initiatives focused on reducing recidivism through evidence-based support.

Maddy summaryHR 5530, the VA Emergency Transportation Access Act, prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from lowering payment rates for specialized transportation used by veterans and eligible individuals (like ambulances or wheelchair vans) without strict requirements. It mandates that any rate change that could reduce access to care must first undergo a detailed review analyzing economic impacts on the VA and transportation industry, and ensure the new rate covers actual costs. The VA must also develop a formal process for rate changes and consult with industry experts, veterans' groups, and healthcare agencies before implementing such changes. This bill directly affects veterans relying on specialized transportation for medical care, particularly those in rural or underserved communities, by safeguarding their access to necessary emergency transport services.

Maddy summaryHR 8013, the Gig Is Up Act, requires large employers (those with $100 million+ in annual gross receipts and 10,000+ independent contractors) to treat payments to certain gig workers as wages for payroll tax purposes. This means these employers must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes at double the standard rate (instead of the usual 7.65%), similar to how they handle employee wages. The change applies to payments made after December 31, 2024, and directly affects major gig platforms and their workers who currently pay self-employment taxes. The bill does not reclassify workers as employees but alters how their payments are taxed under the Social Security system.

Maddy summaryHRES 1135 is a non-binding resolution supporting the "Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools" initiative. It calls for communities to demand equal educational opportunities, civil rights protections, and an end to exclusion for LGBTQI+ students in K-12 schools, particularly transgender, nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, and disabled youth. The resolution encourages states and school districts to adopt policies prohibiting bias-based bullying, harassment, and erasure - such as inclusive sports participation, bathroom access, and curriculum inclusion - without creating new legal requirements. It references growing state-level restrictions targeting LGBTQI+ students, including sports bans and curriculum censorship, as context for the call to action. The resolution itself does not enact new laws but formally recognizes efforts to foster safer, affirming school environments.

Maddy summaryHR 7862 directs federal agencies to annually report on converting unused government-owned buildings into affordable housing. It establishes two grant programs: a $1.75 million annual grant for exploring office-to-residential conversions, and a $250 million annual program for states and local governments to convert underutilized public buildings into rental housing. The state/local program requires converted housing to maintain affordability for 30 years, with at least 20% of units reserved for households earning ≤50% of local median income, or 40% for households ≤60% of median income. This bill directly affects federal agencies (through reporting) and state/local governments (through grant funding), focusing on repurposing vacant public property to expand affordable housing options.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 102 is a non-binding symbolic resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility, introduced by multiple House members. It formally encourages the U.S. to observe the day with ceremonies and programs, celebrates transgender community achievements, and recognizes their ongoing fight for equality amid documented discrimination in employment, healthcare, housing, and public spaces. The resolution highlights transgender representation in politics (including 21 state legislators) and historical context, while acknowledging rising anti-transgender legislation. It directly affirms the transgender community's visibility and rights without creating new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHRES 1110 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2024 to commemorate March 2024 as National Women’s History Month. It formally supports the month’s goals, recognizes women and organizations advancing women’s history education, and highlights the intersectional contributions of Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, and disabled women throughout U.S. history. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of historical milestones and ongoing advocacy for gender equality. It directly affects all Americans by affirming the significance of women’s historical contributions through official congressional recognition.

Maddy summaryThe AADAPT Act reauthorizes and expands the Project ECHO grant program to specifically address Alzheimer's disease and dementia care. It provides $1 million annually (2026-2031) for grants to eligible health care entities - such as rural clinics, tribal organizations, or community health centers - to develop online training programs for primary care providers working in underserved areas (including rural, frontier, or medically underserved communities). These programs aim to improve provider retention, increase early diagnosis of dementia, and enhance quality care. The bill requires grantees to report on outcomes and ensures funding supplements, rather than replaces, existing resources.