Rep. Tony Cárdenas

Maddy summaryHRES 177 is a non-binding resolution supporting National Engineers Week (February 19-25, 2023). It expresses the House's recognition of engineers' contributions to public health, safety, and technological innovation, and emphasizes the importance of engineering education and diversity in STEM fields. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it solely affirms support for the week's goals of promoting engineering careers and STEM literacy. It was introduced by 12 representatives and referred to relevant committees for consideration.

Maddy summaryHRES 132 is a non-binding House resolution expressing condolences for the over 36,000 earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria and commending humanitarian response efforts. It specifically condemns the Assad regime for obstructing aid delivery and exploiting the disaster, urging the Biden administration to open all UN border crossings for aid and prevent U.S.-funded assistance from being diverted to Syria’s government. The resolution also calls for continued enforcement of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act to protect Syrian civilians. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new law but formally directs the administration’s diplomatic approach to the crisis.

Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act This bill repeals restrictions that generally prohibit federal payment under Medicaid for services provided in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs) for individuals under the age of 65. (Currently, states may receive payment for such services through certain mechanisms, such as through a Medicaid demonstration waiver.) The bill also requires state Medicaid programs that cover IMD services to improve patient access to outpatient and community-based behavioral health care, expand crisis stabilization services, facilitate care coordination between providers and first responders, and report specified information relating to IMD utilization and costs.

Maddy summaryHRES 160 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing Black History Month as a time to honor the contributions of LGBTQI+ Black Americans throughout U.S. history. It commemorates specific historical figures and advocates without creating new laws or policies. The resolution highlights the unique intersection of racial, LGBTQI+, and social justice contributions, including figures like Marsha P. Johnson, James Baldwin, and Alvin Ailey. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect but aims to raise awareness of underrepresented historical narratives.

Health Center Community Transformation Hub Act This bill permits the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award supplemental funds to certain health centers that care for medically underserved populations for addressing primary social determinants of health (i.e., nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, such as transportation, food security, and economic security). To receive the supplemental funding, health centers must be recipients of other HRSA grants that support health center operations and activities. Health centers must use the supplemental funds to implement a community-based network of organizations capable of addressing the social determinants of health. Additionally, HRSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must issue guidance on sustaining these networks after the supplemental funding terminates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drug manufacturers to include patient experience data in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's risk-benefit assessments for new drug approvals. It amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to mandate that sponsors submit and describe how patient experience data was considered during the review process. The law directly affects pharmaceutical companies seeking new drug approvals and the FDA during its evaluation. The key provision adds specific language to the approval framework, making patient experience data a formal part of the assessment.

Maddy summaryHR 994, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023, directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to launch a federal public education campaign focused on improving oral health knowledge. The campaign will target specific groups including children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and racial/ethnic minority populations (such as Indigenous and Native Hawaiian communities), using culturally and linguistically appropriate methods. It requires evidence-based prevention education on issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer across HRSA programs like community health centers and maternal health services. The bill authorizes $750,000 annually for fiscal years 2023-2027 and mandates a congressional report on the campaign’s effectiveness within three years.

Maddy summaryThe Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2023 would establish a new Cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding within the executive branch of the U.S. government. The department would include multiple offices focused on domestic and international peacebuilding, violence prevention, peace education, and conflict resolution, with specific offices dedicated to areas like peace education, domestic activities, international activities, technology, arms control, and human rights. It would create a Secretary of Peacebuilding position and require the department to develop policies addressing root causes of violence, promote nonviolent conflict resolution, and collaborate with existing federal agencies. The bill would mandate annual reports on progress toward peace in the United States and require consultation with other departments on matters related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Marcus Garvey should be recognized as a leader in the struggle for human rights and that the President should take measures to exonerate him of charges brought against him.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 99) is a non-binding statement supporting National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on February 7. It directly addresses the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities in the U.S., citing data showing Black Americans face higher diagnosis rates, later care access, and greater mortality compared to other groups. The resolution encourages state/local governments and health agencies to promote HIV testing and awareness, supports the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and advocates for culturally competent care and the "U=U" (Undetectable equals Untransmittable) messaging. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but urges recognition of existing disparities and community-led solutions.