Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Maddy summaryHR 844, the "Black History is American History Act," amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require that Black history be included in all American history and civics education programs for K-12 students. The bill specifically adds "which shall include Black history" to multiple provisions, ensuring it becomes a standard part of curriculum standards, teacher training, and national assessments like the National Assessment of Educational Progress. This policy change directly affects public school curricula, educators, and students across the U.S. by mandating historically accurate instruction on African American contributions as integral to American history. The bill references the National Museum of African American History and Culture as a resource provider for educators implementing these changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 72) expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating January 30, 2025, as "CTE and RHI Awareness Day." It aims to raise public awareness about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and repeated head impacts (RHI), which are linked to brain damage from head injuries - commonly affecting athletes, military veterans, and others with exposure to repeated head trauma. The resolution encourages the CDC and NIH to share information on CTE/RHI in public education materials and recognizes researchers, patients, and families impacted by these conditions. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but promotes public education and reflection on these health issues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the House of Representatives' position that Congress should take steps to prevent the privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS), ensuring it remains a federal independent agency. It highlights USPS’s constitutional role, self-sustaining nature (relying on service revenue, not taxpayer funds), and critical functions - serving 168 million addresses daily, supporting rural communities, and underpinning e-commerce. The resolution opposes privatization, noting it would raise prices, reduce services, and harm the $1.9 trillion mailing industry. As a non-binding resolution, it reflects the House’s stance but does not create new law or policy.

Maddy summaryHRES 75 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year (celebrated as the Year of the Snake in 2025). It acknowledges Lunar New Year's origins in China over 4,000 years ago, its global celebration as Seollal (Korea) and Tết (Vietnam), and its importance to Asian American communities in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and others celebrating the holiday and wishes them a happy new year, but it creates no new laws, funding, or obligations. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct policy impact.

Maddy summaryHR 768, the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act, requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how states and school districts currently teach about the Holocaust and antisemitism in K-12 schools. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teacher training, educational materials used, and assessment methods across all states and a representative sample of school districts and schools. It specifically aims to identify gaps, resources needed, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention in their teaching. The Museum must submit a report to Congress within three years of the bill's enactment, detailing findings on current practices and challenges. This bill does not mandate new teaching requirements but seeks to understand existing approaches to Holocaust education.

Maddy summaryHR 764, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, removes two barriers for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) seeking U.S. foreign assistance. It ensures these organizations cannot be denied funding solely because they provide health services (like counseling and referrals) using non-U.S. government funds, as long as those services comply with local laws. The bill also requires that foreign NGOs face the same rules on using non-U.S. funds for advocacy and lobbying as U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. This directly affects international health-focused NGOs working in countries where U.S. aid is provided.

Maddy summaryHR 794, the Lunar New Year Day Act, would designate the Lunar New Year as a federal holiday by adding it to the list of official federal holidays under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. This change would directly affect federal government operations and employees, who would observe the holiday on the date of the Lunar New Year each year. The bill’s sole mechanism is amending the existing holiday schedule to include "Lunar New Year Day" following the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It does not create new programs, allocate funding, or impact non-federal entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Education to proactively notify eligible college students about potential access to SNAP (food stamp) benefits. It targets students with a negative or zero student aid index (SAI) who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department must send annual written and electronic notices explaining SNAP eligibility and providing state contact information for applying. The bill also mandates consultation between the Education and Agriculture Departments to design these notifications. This is a policy change focused on improving access to nutrition assistance for low-income students already enrolled in college.

Maddy summaryHRES 68 is a non-binding House resolution expressing strong disapproval of the President’s announcement to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. It commends states, businesses, and citizens supporting the Agreement, urges the President to reverse the withdrawal decision, and calls for Congress to prioritize U.S. climate leadership. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally states the House’s position against withdrawing from the international climate accord. It was introduced by 115 co-sponsors and reflects broad congressional concern about reversing U.S. climate commitments.

Maddy summaryHR 669, the "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025," requires Congress to declare war before the U.S. can conduct a first-use nuclear strike. It directly affects the President (who currently has sole authority to authorize such strikes), military commanders, and Congress by mandating that federal funds cannot be used for a first-use attack without a congressional declaration of war. The bill defines a "first-use nuclear strike" as an attack launched without prior confirmation that the U.S., its territories, or allies were first hit with nuclear weapons. This law changes policy by creating a constitutional check on presidential nuclear authority, requiring explicit congressional approval for the initial use of nuclear weapons.