Rep. Ro Khanna

Maddy summaryHR 3113, the Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2023, would eliminate reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs in schools, requiring all meals to be either free or full price. It would expand eligibility for free school meals by raising the income threshold from 130% to 200% of the federal poverty level and creating direct certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits. The bill also allows schools to seek retroactive reimbursement for meals served to eligible students and increases the community eligibility program multiplier to 2.5. These changes would affect school meal programs nationwide, particularly benefiting low-income children who qualify for free meals under the revised standards.

Maddy summaryThe Words Matter Act of 2023 replaces the outdated term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" across numerous federal laws and regulations. It amends over 20 provisions in the U.S. Code, Social Security Act, and other statutes - including healthcare, disability programs, and legal definitions - to update terminology used in areas like nursing home care, criminal justice, and federal grants. The bill explicitly states this is a purely linguistic change, not a policy shift, and does not alter eligibility, benefits, or program requirements for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It affects all federal programs and legal references that previously used the terms "mental retardation," "mentally retarded," or "developmentally disabled."

Maddy summaryHR 3008, the Drug Shortage Prevention Act of 2023, requires manufacturers of critical essential medicines (like life-saving or emergency drugs) to notify the FDA earlier about potential supply disruptions. Specifically, manufacturers must report permanent production stops, interruptions, or unexpected demand spikes (not seasonal) at least six months in advance for production issues, or within 48 hours for sustained demand increases. The notification must include reasons, ingredient sources, alternative suppliers, and expected duration. The FDA will then share this information with healthcare providers and patient groups to help manage shortages. This law applies to drugs critical for life-sustaining care, excluding certain radio pharmaceuticals.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a pathway to permanent residency for non-citizens who worked in designated essential sectors during the pandemic. It would allow eligible workers in healthcare, emergency response, sanitation, food services, agriculture, construction, and other critical industries to apply for permanent residence if they've been physically present in the U.S. since January 1, 2023, after meeting background check requirements. The bill includes application fee exemptions for low-income applicants and protections against employer retaliation for workers seeking documents to support their applications. It also includes special provisions for those who have been ordered removed from the U.S. to apply for status under this program.

Maddy summaryHRES 341 is a nonbinding resolution expressing the House's support for maintaining cash as a viable payment option. It highlights that 18.6% of U.S. households (nearly 6 million) rely solely on cash due to lack of bank access, privacy concerns, and risks associated with digital payments like data breaches. The resolution cites legal tender status under U.S. Code and Federal Reserve Chair Powell's testimony emphasizing cash's critical role for unbanked and low-income communities. It does not create new laws but urges businesses to accept cash to protect consumer privacy and financial security.

Original Fair Housing Resolution of 2023 This resolution expresses support for the goals and values of the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and for efforts to strengthen housing protections.

Maddy summaryThe Returning Home Act (HR 2994) establishes a new federal grant program to provide rental assistance and housing support for individuals recently released from incarceration. It directly affects people leaving prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, or halfway houses who are at risk of homelessness or housing insecurity within 365 days of release. The program funds 24 months of rental assistance (60% minimum), housing counseling, case management, landlord incentives, and other supportive services like pre-release planning and mental health referrals. It authorizes $100 million annually for these services and prohibits funding for law enforcement entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to add a new category of protected leave for employees (or family members) affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or stalking. It entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific needs like medical care, legal services, counseling, securing safe housing, or assisting family members with these issues. The leave can be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule, and employees may substitute accrued paid leave (vacation, sick days) for part of the unpaid FMLA leave period. Employers may require certification or accept a sworn statement if certification is pending, but the bill does not mandate paid leave.

Maddy summaryHR 2955, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, establishes a Federal Work Group to improve data collection and best practices for youth in residential programs (like therapeutic schools, treatment centers, and group homes). The Work Group, composed of federal agency representatives and diverse stakeholders, must develop national data standards, create risk assessment tools, and issue biennial reports with recommendations to enhance safety, reduce restraints, and expand community-based alternatives. It directly affects youth with mental health, substance use, or disability needs placed in these facilities, as well as agencies overseeing them. The bill also mandates a National Academies study to examine funding, oversight, and barriers to community care. These mechanisms aim to standardize data tracking and promote less restrictive, trauma-informed care for youth in residential programs.

Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act of 2023 or the FAIR Act of 2023 This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute.