Rep. Terri A. Sewell

Maddy summaryThe STAMP Act of 2024 bans state and local governments from taxing menstrual products. It prohibits taxes on items like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear that meet industry standards. The law directly affects consumers purchasing these products and state/local governments that previously imposed such taxes. It takes effect 120 days after enactment, removing tax burdens on menstrual products nationwide.

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 summaryHRES 1109 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, DC, where suffragists led by Alice Paul and Inez Milholland marched to demand voting rights for women. It honors the participants' courage during a protest that drew 500,000 spectators despite violent opposition, highlighting how this event advanced the national push for the 19th Amendment. The resolution does not create new laws but reaffirms support for voting rights equality, connecting the 1913 march to ongoing efforts to protect democratic access. It specifically acknowledges the intersectional struggles of women of color in the suffrage movement. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effect.

Maddy summaryHR 7812, the National Parent and Youth Helpline Act, creates a federal grant program to establish a 24/7 national toll-free helpline for parents, caregivers, and youth facing personal challenges like emotional distress, substance abuse, or educational concerns. The grant, worth $20 million annually from 2025-2030, will fund one nonprofit to operate the helpline (via phone, text, and chat), host weekly evidence-based support groups, and maintain a resource website. It specifically prioritizes serving diverse groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and requires annual performance reports to the Secretary and a congressional report after three years. The bill directly affects millions of parents and youth by providing accessible, trauma-informed support to strengthen families and prevent issues like child maltreatment.

Maddy summaryHR 7714, the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act, authorizes $200 million annually (2025-2029) for competitive CDC grants to states to improve colorectal cancer awareness and early detection specifically for individuals under age 45. The bill directs states to target high-risk young people (including those with family history, inflammatory bowel disease, genetic syndromes, or symptoms like rectal bleeding) and underserved communities (American Indian/Alaska Native, African American, rural populations, and those with type 2 diabetes). Grantees must implement activities like risk-factor education, clinician training on early detection, patient navigation support, and developing decision tools for early screening before age 45. The program requires states to report on grant usage and outcomes after five years.

Maddy summaryHRES 1101 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for collaborating with the Congressional Black Caucus to develop a "Black Wealth Agenda." It commits the House to outlining legislative priorities focused on closing the racial wealth gap through key areas like expanding Black entrepreneurship, reforming housing policies, building workforce development programs, and updating the federal minimum wage. The resolution emphasizes addressing systemic barriers in homeownership, education access, employment discrimination, and tax policy to advance economic equity for Black communities. It does not create new laws but directs the House to coordinate with the CBC on policy solutions targeting wealth-building opportunities.

Maddy summaryHR 7770, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell three commemorative coins honoring women who worked on the U.S. home front during World War II. It specifies $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all to be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar), with all surcharge funds directed to the Rosie the Riveter Trust for maintaining the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. The coins will feature designs reflecting the legacy of diverse women workers and must meet specific weight, diameter, and composition standards.

Maddy summaryHR 7771 designates March 21 as National Rosie the Riveter Day to honor the over 6 million American women who joined the workforce during World War II. The bill requests the President issue an annual proclamation encouraging all levels of government to observe the day with ceremonies and educational programs. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes these women's contributions to the war effort and their legacy of empowerment. This procedural resolution directly affects the President and government entities through ceremonial recognition, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 1095 is a symbolic resolution expressing congressional support for designating March 2024 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It recognizes music's cultural importance, its long history in U.S. schools, and the unequal access to music education faced by students in underserved communities (including urban/rural schools and schools with high percentages of Black, Hispanic, or Native American students). The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate school actions - it simply affirms the value of music education and calls for greater support. This non-binding resolution was introduced by multiple representatives and referred to the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 97) recognizes the gender wage gap, noting that women working full-time earn 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. It highlights racial disparities (e.g., Latinas earn 57 cents, Black women 69 cents) and the economic impact of the gap, including $965 billion in annual lost wages for women. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the issue and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to addressing wage inequality.