Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva

Maddy summaryHR 7329, the Election Day Holiday Act of 2024, would designate November 5, 2024 (and subsequent general elections) as a federal public holiday. This change would require federal offices to close and provide federal employees a paid day off on Election Day. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Election Day" to the list of designated federal holidays, following Columbus Day. This directly affects federal employees and operations, ensuring they have a day off during general elections.

Maddy summaryThe FAAN Act (HR 7266) authorizes $1 billion in federal grants to schools of nursing in underserved areas to address nursing workforce shortages. It directly affects nursing schools in medically underserved communities, rural regions, and areas with health professional shortages, prioritizing institutions serving underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, rural populations, and low-income students. Key provisions include funding for faculty hiring (especially from underrepresented groups), modernizing classrooms with technology like simulation labs, expanding student support programs, and creating clinical partnerships with healthcare facilities. Schools receiving grants must report annually on student demographics, faculty diversity, and program outcomes, with a comprehensive report to Congress after five years. The bill aims to strengthen nursing education capacity and improve national readiness for public health emergencies.

Maddy summaryHRES 1002 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year (celebrated as the Year of the Dragon in 2024). It acknowledges the holiday's 4,000-year history in China, its celebration across Asia (including Seollal and Tết), and its significance to Asian Americans and others in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for those observing the holiday and wishes them a happy new year, but it does not create new laws, policies, or funding. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct effect on legislation or constituents.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Rosa Parks by nationally recognizing Transit Equity Day. The resolution also encourages the use of public transportation and the continued work to make public transit accessible for all.

Maddy summaryHR 7244, the "End Tax Breaks for Dark Money Act," eliminates tax exemptions for political groups and certain nonprofits when they receive property that has increased in value (like stocks or real estate). It targets organizations that accept anonymous donations ("dark money") by removing their ability to avoid capital gains tax on such property transfers. The bill amends the tax code to require these groups to pay tax on the appreciated value when receiving property, rather than allowing them to bypass capital gains tax. This change directly affects political organizations under Section 527 and specific nonprofits under Section 501(c), applying to transfers after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates February 5-9, 2024, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize school counselors' roles in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development. It highlights counselors' contributions to student success - such as addressing mental health, bullying, and college/career readiness - while noting current challenges like the national average student-to-counselor ratio of 408:1 (exceeding recommended standards). The resolution encourages public awareness activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.

This resolution supports World Cancer Day. The resolution also acknowledges the need to eliminate barriers to consistent and reliable access to cancer screening programs, early detection initiatives, and quality cancer care for all racial and ethnic groups.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns violence, oppression, and abuse against ethnic minorities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly targeting Rwandophones like the Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi communities. It urges the DRC government to investigate security forces and armed groups (including the M23 rebel group) for human rights abuses, hold perpetrators accountable, and improve protections for displaced civilians. The resolution also calls for U.S. actions such as appointing a special envoy for the Great Lakes region, prioritizing refugee access for affected groups, and coordinating sanctions against human rights abusers - though it is a symbolic statement, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HRES 989) urges the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to honor the contributions of Muslim Americans. It highlights their historical and contemporary roles in U.S. society across fields like business, science, sports, and public service. The resolution calls for public observance through ceremonies and programs but has no legal effect or policy changes. It does not allocate funding, alter laws, or directly affect any specific group beyond raising awareness of Muslim-American heritage.

Maddy summaryHRES 990 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for fair treatment of paraprofessionals (like instructional assistants) and education support staff (such as clerical, custodial, and food service workers) in schools. It states these over 3 million frontline workers deserve livable wages, affordable health care, job security, paid leave, professional development, and safe working conditions. The resolution lists specific recommendations, including eligibility for family medical leave and protections against retaliation for reporting workplace issues. It does not create new laws but formally recognizes these staff as essential to school success and calls for policies addressing their current challenges.