Rep. Becca Balint

Maddy summaryHRES 114 is a resolution proposing to expel Representative George Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives, citing constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, Clause 2. It directly targets Santos, who was a sitting member of the House at the time of introduction. The resolution follows the House's constitutional power to expel members for misconduct, though it does not specify the alleged violations. This procedural resolution was referred to the Committee on Ethics for review.

Maddy summaryHR 6451, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2023, provides $250 million in federal grants to states, tribes, and localities to hire mental health professionals as first responders for specific emergencies. It directs these professionals to replace police in situations involving mental health crises, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities - such as when a 911 caller describes a mental health emergency or a first responder identifies someone needing mental health support. The bill requires grantees to train responders in de-escalation techniques, link individuals to community-based services (not incarceration), and report on outcomes like reduced arrests or use of force. It also mandates data collection on demographics and prevents funneling people into institutional settings, with annual reports to Congress on program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHRES 886 is a non-binding House resolution supporting Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) by recognizing the epidemic of violence against transgender people and memorializing those lost in the year ending September 30, 2023. It specifically acknowledges the disproportionate impact of violence on transgender women of color, citing 33 documented deaths in the U.S. during that period (with estimates suggesting the actual number is higher due to underreporting). The resolution calls for Congress to prioritize studying and preventing such violence while affirming that all transgender people deserve dignity and respect. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to raise awareness and honor victims.

Maddy summaryHR 6415, the CARE for First Responders Act, creates targeted mental health support for first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 operators (previously excluded from many services). It establishes a 24/7 confidential mental health hotline integrated with the 988 Suicide Lifeline, funds mobile crisis teams for disaster response, and mandates specialized training to reduce stigma and improve access to culturally competent care. The bill requires the development of peer support programs and education for responders and their families on mental health coping strategies. It authorizes $5 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to states and organizations to implement these services, specifically addressing the higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide among first responders compared to the general population.

Maddy summaryHRES 822 is a symbolic House resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge's 1943 establishment. It recognizes the refuge's ecological importance (protecting 6,729 acres including habitats for over 200 bird species and 13 bumblebee species) and cultural significance to the Western Abenaki people. The resolution formally resolves to support the National Wildlife Refuge System by advocating for adequate funding and staffing to maintain conservation and public access. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy changes but highlights the refuge's role in biodiversity, climate resilience, and Vermont's outdoor recreation economy.

Maddy summaryHR 6433, the PARA-EMT Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to address critical shortages in emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. It authorizes $50 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to EMS agencies to fund recruitment, training, and retention programs - including initiatives for veterans, rural communities, and youth - while requiring 20% of grants to support rural agencies. The bill also establishes a separate $20 million annual grant program to help veterans with military EMS training meet civilian certification requirements and mandates a federal study on projected EMS workforce needs through 2032. These provisions directly affect EMS agencies, training programs, and veterans seeking civilian EMS careers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal working group under the Department of Health and Human Services to standardize how loneliness and isolation are measured across government agencies and research. The Working Group, composed of HHS agencies, state representatives, and experts, will develop consistent definitions and measurement tools to improve data collection for public health research and healthcare planning. It aims to create reliable methods for tracking these issues across populations and fields, with a report due to Congress within one year of enactment. The effort expires in 2026, focusing solely on measurement standards rather than direct services or funding.

Health Share Transparency Act of 2023 This bill requires a health care sharing ministry (HCSM) to disclose specific information to individuals enrolling in the HCSM and to designated government agencies. (An HCSM is a faith-based organization with members who share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and who contribute regular payments to cover the medical expenses of other members.) The bill requires an HCSM to disclose to an enrolling individual information such as (1) the average out-of-pocket expenses an enrollee incurs, (2) how to file a complaint or appeal a coverage determination, and (3) a list of the HCSM's non-reimbursable items and services. The bill also requires that an HCSM submit annual financial disclosures and program information to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. HHS is required to publicly post this information. Additionally, health insurance brokers contracting with an HCSM are required to provide an enrolling individual with information about health insurance coverage that is available through Medicare, Medicaid, or a health insurance exchange, as appropriate. HHS may apply civil monetary penalties to an HCSM that fails to comply with the bill's requirements. Further, the bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to publicly disclose information about consumer complaints regarding HCSMs.

Maddy summaryThe FAMILIES Act creates a program allowing courts to divert eligible parents and caregivers from incarceration into community-based supervision instead of prison or probation. Eligible individuals include parents of minor children, expectant parents, and caregivers for minors, elderly, or disabled family members. The program provides comprehensive services like education, job training, substance abuse treatment, and family counseling, with provisions to prevent financial barriers from hindering participation. Courts must consider factors like caregiver responsibilities and risk to family members when determining eligibility, and successful participants may qualify for record expungement.

Maddy summaryHRES 815 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for recognizing October 26, 2023, as "Intersex Awareness Day," which commemorates the 1996 demonstration by intersex individuals and promotes bodily autonomy. It encourages federal, state, local, and community organizations to observe the day through educational programs and to provide culturally competent care to intersex people. The resolution also urges healthcare providers and schools to connect intersex individuals and families to resources and support education about intersex diversity. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new legal requirements but aims to raise public awareness and affirm the rights of intersex people.