Rep. Linda T. Sánchez

National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Program. The bill further directs DOJ to award a grant under the program to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for the expenses associated with community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs operated by the of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and National Law Enforcement Museum.

Maddy summaryHRES 319 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 24, 2023, recognizing the federal government's duty to develop a Green New Deal. It states the House believes the government should create a comprehensive plan to address climate change and economic inequality through a 10-year national mobilization. The resolution outlines goals like achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, creating high-wage union jobs, upgrading infrastructure, and prioritizing frontline communities, but it does not establish binding policy or funding mechanisms. As a non-binding resolution, it serves as a statement of legislative intent rather than a law.

Maddy summaryHR 3331, the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act, requires public schools participating in federal school meal programs to integrate mental health into their wellness policies. The bill mandates schools to form teams including mental health professionals to develop and update these policies, and to promote mental health assessments, encourage mental health support, and build resilient school environments. It amends the National School Lunch Act to add mental health promotion alongside physical activity and eating disorder prevention, and extends a policy review deadline from 2014 to 2026. This directly affects all K-12 schools receiving federal nutrition funding.

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 381 is a non-binding House resolution supporting National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2023. It aims to increase public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills - fake pills that mimic prescription medications and are linked to over 70,000 overdose deaths in 2021, including 80% of deaths among youth aged 14-23. The resolution encourages existing law enforcement efforts to combat counterfeit pills and acknowledges that only 48% of youth are aware fentanyl is used in these fake pills. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the need for greater awareness, particularly for young people vulnerable to these deadly substances.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 3239 establishes the Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities Program under the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). It creates a competitive grant program prioritizing BIPOC-led arts and humanities organizations working to dismantle systemic racism, with requirements including majority BIPOC grant panelists and mandatory reporting on racial demographics and program impact. The bill mandates that grantees must directly combat systemic racism through arts/humanities initiatives like community programming, artist development, and arts education in underserved communities. It also requires an advisory task force to develop equitable grant guidelines and annual reports to Congress detailing funding distribution, barriers faced by BIPOC communities, and program outcomes. This program directly affects BIPOC-led arts organizations and communities experiencing racial inequity in arts access.