Rep. Barbara Lee

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to require all U.S. colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to create detailed anti-harassment policies covering physical, online, and institution-sponsored settings. It mandates policies prohibiting harassment based on race, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, religion, and other protected characteristics, including harassment via institutional email, computers, or electronic messaging. The bill also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund colleges developing prevention programs, victim support services, and training for students and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. These policies and grants must comply with existing civil rights laws like Title IX but add specific requirements for reporting and prevention.

Maddy summaryHR 5606, the Future Generations Protection Act, prohibits new fossil fuel infrastructure and exports to accelerate the transition to clean energy. It bans greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel power plants, blocks approvals for new LNG terminals (with limited emissions-reduction exceptions), and prohibits hydraulic fracturing by 2027. The bill also bans most exports of domestically produced crude oil and natural gas, except for limited cases involving Canada and Mexico. These provisions directly affect energy companies, LNG developers, and oil/gas producers, aiming to reduce fossil fuel reliance while prioritizing environmental justice and worker transitions.

Maddy summaryThe REDUCE Act of 2023 imposes an excise tax on virgin plastic resin and certain single-use plastic products, starting at 10 cents per pound in 2024 and increasing to 20 cents per pound by 2026 (with annual inflation adjustments). The tax applies to manufacturers, producers, and importers of plastic products, with exemptions for small businesses producing less than 10 tons annually. Revenue from the tax will fund the Plastic Waste Reduction Fund, which will support recycling infrastructure, reuse systems, and marine debris cleanup efforts. The bill specifically excludes medical products, certain packaging, and hygiene items from the tax requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 714 is a formal recognition resolution celebrating Hispanic Restaurant Week (September 22-October 3, 2023) and acknowledging the economic contributions of Hispanic restaurant owners and employees to the U.S. restaurant industry. It highlights statistics showing Hispanic individuals own a significant share of restaurants and workforce participation in the sector, but does not create new policies, funding, or regulations. This resolution is purely ceremonial, expressing congressional appreciation without any legislative impact.

Maddy summaryHRES 713 is a symbolic House resolution designating the week of September 18-24, 2023, as "National Diaper Need Awareness Week." It recognizes that diaper need - lacking sufficient clean diapers - affects nearly 1 in 2 families with young children and can cost low-income families up to $100 monthly, consuming 14% of their post-tax income. The resolution supports raising public awareness about this issue, acknowledges the work of diaper banks (with over 300 locations nationwide), and encourages donations to these organizations. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but aims to highlight a basic need impacting infant health and family economic stability.

Maddy summaryHR 5619, the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2023, requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study how to directly certify military children for free or reduced-price school meals without additional applications. The bill directs a report by October 2024 evaluating options like using military housing allowance data and excluding non-service income from household calculations under existing school nutrition laws. This would affect children in households of active-duty military members, potentially streamlining eligibility for meals at schools. The bill itself is procedural, focusing on feasibility study rather than immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies receiving federal funding to collect and report detailed data on settlements or judgments related to officer misconduct. Agencies must track specifics like officer demographics, allegation types (e.g., use of force, racial profiling), payment amounts, funding sources, and personnel actions, then submit this annually to the Justice Department. Non-compliant state/local agencies face up to a 10% reduction in Byrne JAG program funding. The Justice Department will publish all data in a public, searchable database (excluding personal identifiers) and issue annual reports with recommendations for reducing misconduct. This aims to increase transparency about misconduct costs and inform policy improvements.

Maddy summaryHR 5610 establishes a 15-member Commission to examine historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ service members and veterans. The Commission will document policies targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in the military since WWII, gather testimonies from affected veterans, and analyze impacts on mental health, benefits access, and financial stability. It must hold public hearings, examine how discrimination affected racial minorities and women within the military, and recommend solutions like record corrections, improved benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans, and better diversity training. The Commission will submit a final report to Congress within one year, proposing concrete steps to address past harms and improve inclusion in the military.

Maddy summaryHRES 703 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of September 2023 as "National Voting Rights Month" to raise awareness about voting access. It encourages all U.S. citizens to uphold voting rights, urges Congress to pass specific voting rights legislation (like the Freedom to Vote Act and Democracy Restoration Act), and recommends that schools teach about voting history and current voter access issues. The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups, but it aims to promote broader public engagement with voting rights through education and advocacy. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses support for these goals without implementing any concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act would expand benefits for part-time workers by reducing the eligibility requirement for family and medical leave from 12 months to 90 days, applying to federal, state, and congressional employees. It prohibits employers from discriminating against part-time workers based on hours worked, requiring equal treatment in compensation, benefits, and promotion opportunities. The bill mandates employers to obtain written statements from employees about desired work hours and prioritize scheduling existing employees before hiring new staff or using contractors. It applies to employers with more than 15 employees across various sectors and establishes enforcement through the Department of Labor with civil penalties for violations. The bill would take effect one year after enactment, with regulations to be issued within 180 days of passage.