Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove

Maddy summaryThe FIGHT Act (HR 2742) amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically target animal fighting events, such as cockfighting, by defining "rooster" as any male chicken over six months old and banning the live broadcasting (simulcasting) of such events. It prohibits using the postal service or interstate transport to move roosters for animal fighting purposes and adds civil enforcement tools allowing citizens to sue violators after a 60-day notice period. Fines up to $5,000 per violation may be imposed, and property used in animal fighting ventures can be seized. These changes strengthen enforcement against animal fighting by expanding legal remedies for the public and authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prioritize urban forestry assistance for communities with the lowest tree equity scores - measured by how tree canopy coverage aligns with community factors like income, race, health, and employment. It also creates a $30 million pilot program for public elementary and secondary schools to establish rooftop gardens, requiring at least 20% native plants, organic methods, and curriculum integration on urban agriculture or pollinator habitats. Schools in areas with high population density, respiratory illness rates, or low existing garden access receive priority for funding. The program mandates annual inspections of funded gardens and defines "tree equity score" using tools like American Forests' methodology.

Maddy summaryHRES 385 is a symbolic House resolution designating May 10, 2023, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It supports raising awareness about mental health disparities in the AANHPI community, where data shows lower treatment rates and higher suicide rates among youth. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local health agencies to improve mental health services for AANHPI communities but does not create new programs or funding. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and serves only to recognize and highlight these issues.

Maddy summaryHRES 372 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating May 2023 as "Mental Health Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally urges the nation to recognize mental health as a priority. The resolution supports reducing stigma around mental illness, expanding access to mental health services, and emphasizing that mental well-being is as important as physical health. It highlights the need for greater awareness and resources, particularly for youth, veterans, and communities of color facing mental health disparities, but does not mandate any specific policy changes.

Targeting Resources for Equitable Access to Treatment for Long COVID Act or the TREAT Long COVID Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to create or expand the capacity of clinics that treat patients with persistent, long-term symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19 (i.e., Long COVID) and associated conditions. Eligible recipients include federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, urban Indian health centers, and state and local health departments.

Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2023 amends the Horse Protection Act to ban specific devices used to cause pain (soring) in horses at shows, particularly affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses. It defines prohibited "action devices" (like boots or chains causing friction) and requires licensed, conflict-free inspectors at events to enforce rules. The bill increases penalties for violations to up to $5,000 fines or 3 years in jail, and mandates longer disqualifications for repeat offenses (180 days → 1 year → 3 years). Horse show organizers, exhibitors, and participants must comply with these new inspection and penalty requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 390 is a resolution recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It formally honors the historical contributions of AANHPI communities to the United States, highlighting their diverse cultural impact and achievements across U.S. history. The resolution emphasizes celebrating these contributions while acknowledging ongoing challenges, such as anti-Asian hate crimes, and references key milestones like the 125th anniversary of *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*. As a symbolic recognition resolution, it does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislation.

This resolution reaffirms the central role of local frontline health workforces in achieving global health objectives. The resolution also urges greater global attention and support for local frontline health workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends workplace safety protections under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to people working in correctional facilities, including those in prison labor programs, work release, and maintenance roles. It requires states and federal prisons to annually report on safety conditions, injuries, and compliance with safety standards, beginning two years after enactment. The bill also creates $20 million annually in federal grants to help states update their safety laws and enforcement for incarcerated workers. These provisions directly affect incarcerated individuals performing labor in state or federal correctional facilities and the agencies operating them.

Maddy summaryHR 3276 establishes two pilot programs under the National School Lunch Act. First, it creates a $10 million, 3-year grant program to help schools serve 100% plant-based meals (no animal products) to students, prioritizing schools serving high proportions of low-income students and supporting culturally appropriate meal planning. Second, it creates a $2 million pilot to reimburse schools for costs of providing nondairy milk substitutes for students with dietary needs, targeting schools with high lactose intolerance rates. Both pilots require annual reporting on participation and outcomes, with the dairy substitute program ending after 3 years. The bill directly affects public school food authorities serving eligible students.