Rep. Barbara Lee

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program within the Fulbright exchange system to honor civil rights leader John Lewis and advance U.S. foreign policy through global civil rights education. It creates a new fellowship for U.S. early- to mid-career professionals, selecting at least 25 annually for 10-month programs to conduct research or intern with approved organizations in countries participating in Fulbright exchanges. Fellows must complete a work plan, attend an orientation in Washington, DC, and present findings at an annual summit, with the State Department covering costs for travel, lodging, and expenses. The program requires annual reports on participant demographics and program effectiveness, and expires seven years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) would amend federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing, employment, credit, and jury service. It amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under existing sex discrimination provisions. The bill would require businesses, housing providers, employers, and government entities to provide equal access and services without regard to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation to clarify protections across all covered areas. The law would apply to all entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including those receiving federal funding.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic House Resolution (HRES 526) reaffirms U.S. commitment to refugee safety and well-being, introduced around World Refugee Day (June 20, 2023). It cites UNHCR data showing over 108 million displaced people globally and highlights historically low U.S. refugee admissions (11,411 in FY2021, 25,465 in FY2022). The resolution calls on U.S. officials to restore asylum protections, meet robust refugee admissions goals, support host countries, and advance refugee rights through international partnerships. It does not create new law but expresses bipartisan support for strengthening U.S. leadership in refugee protection.

Maddy summaryHRES 514 is a non-binding House resolution designating June 19, 2023, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD). It directly affects individuals living with SCD, their families, and global health systems by urging increased focus on research, early screening for sickle cell trait, and equitable access to treatments. The resolution includes six key recommendations: supporting newborn screening, eliminating barriers to innovative therapies in Medicare/Medicaid, encouraging public events, and calling for a White House-led interagency cabinet to address SCD care gaps. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to mobilize existing efforts and highlight SCD as a global health priority.

Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2023 This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms. Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.

Maddy summaryHR 4178, the Quiet Communities Act of 2023, reestablishes the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which was defunded in 1982. The bill directly affects communities exposed to harmful noise pollution from sources like aircraft, traffic, and highways, impacting millions with hearing impairments or health risks. Key mechanisms include authorizing $25 million annually for the EPA office to provide technical assistance and grants to states for local noise control programs, fund national research on noise health impacts, and conduct a study on aircraft noise effects. The bill also repeals outdated provisions from the 1970 Noise Control Act to modernize the EPA's role in addressing noise pollution.

Maddy summaryHR 4121, the Right to Contraception Act, establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and contraception services without government restriction or coercion, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers. The bill prohibits state or federal laws that limit access to contraceptives (defined broadly to include devices, drugs, and fertility methods), prevent individuals from obtaining or using them, or allow providers to refuse services based on personal beliefs. It preempts conflicting state laws, requires any restrictions to be justified by "clear and convincing evidence" of advancing access with no less restrictive alternative, and allows private lawsuits to challenge violations. The Act applies nationwide to all health care providers and individuals, protecting access regardless of factors like race, income, or location.

Maddy summaryHR 4052, the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023, would establish a federally chartered National Infrastructure Bank to address the estimated $2.6 trillion infrastructure financing gap identified by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The bank would provide loans, loan guarantees, and blended financing for infrastructure projects in transportation, energy, environmental systems, broadband, and community development, with a total loan limit of $5 trillion. Projects must demonstrate public benefits including economic growth, job creation, environmental improvements, and community development, with priority given to disadvantaged communities and projects meeting specific criteria. The bank would be capitalized with up to $500 billion through the purchase of Treasury securities and other means, operating under a 25-member Board of Directors with oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.

Maddy summaryHR 4024, the Clean Shipping Act of 2023, requires commercial vessels over 400 gross tons to gradually reduce the carbon intensity of their fuel. Starting in 2027, vessels must cut fuel carbon intensity by 20% compared to a 2024 baseline, increasing to 100% (zero emissions) by 2040. The bill mandates annual reporting of fuel carbon intensity and emissions for covered voyages (commercial trips between US ports or to foreign ports) and allows fleet averaging under common ownership. Vessels operating fewer than 30 days annually are exempt, and standards may be adjusted if technological or economic feasibility is challenged.

Maddy summaryHRES 516 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's view that the Secretary of Defense should review Section 504 of Title 10, U.S. Code. This provision governs military enlistment rules, specifically regarding whether aliens (non-citizens) with valid employment authorization - like those holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status - can be enlisted. The resolution requests a review to determine if current policy allows enlistment of DACA recipients under existing military regulations. It does not change law but asks the Pentagon to assess the current policy's application to this group.