Rep. Katie Porter

Maddy summaryThe Student Mental Health Rights Act (HR 3726) requires the U.S. Department of Education to study mental health disabilities and substance use disorders at colleges and universities. Within 120 days, it mandates a voluntary student survey on these conditions, followed by a comprehensive study within one year analyzing prevalence, college policies for students on leave, and best practices for support. The Department will then issue guidance to colleges on complying with existing disability laws (like the Americans with Disabilities Act) regarding accommodations for students with mental health needs. This aims to prevent discriminatory practices that might force students to leave campus or face barriers to returning.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for expenses related to "qualified access technology for the blind" under the Internal Revenue Code. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $2,000 per year (adjusted for inflation) for costs paid for hardware, software, or IT that converts visual information into formats usable by blind individuals, covering the taxpayer, their spouse, or a dependent who is blind. The credit is limited to $2,000 over any three consecutive tax years per blind individual and expires after 2028. It directly affects blind individuals and their families who purchase qualifying assistive technology. The credit cannot be claimed for expenses already covered by other tax deductions or credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Older Americans Act to better serve LGBTQI older adults (defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex individuals, and those living with HIV) by adding specific definitions and creating new support structures. It establishes an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging, led by a Director and Assistant Director, to coordinate services, advocate for this community, and collect data on their challenges. The bill also creates a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging to provide training and resources to organizations serving LGBTQI older adults and requires data collection on discrimination against them in long-term care settings. These changes aim to improve access to culturally competent services and address the unique needs of LGBTQI older adults through concrete policy updates.

Maddy summaryHRES 439 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for keeping the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as an independent federal agency, not subject to privatization. It highlights USPS's constitutional role, self-sustaining nature (relying on service revenue, not taxpayer funds), and its importance to rural communities, e-commerce, and over 600,000 employees. The resolution urges Congress to take action to preserve USPS's independence, emphasizing that privatization could raise prices, reduce services, and harm the nation's mail infrastructure. As a procedural resolution, it does not change law but formally states the House's position.

Maddy summaryThe AIR PUMP Act requires airlines to provide nursing crew members (like flight attendants and pilots) with reasonable break time to express breast milk for up to one year after their child's birth, as well as a private, non-bathroom space for this purpose. It specifically excludes breaks during critical flight phases and ensures accommodations won't compromise safety, security, or require significant costs (e.g., aircraft modifications). The bill includes anti-retaliation protections for employees who request accommodations or file complaints, and enforces these requirements through the Department of Labor using existing Fair Labor Standards Act mechanisms. This directly affects airline employees who are nursing parents and their employers, aligning airline workplace policies with federal breastfeeding protections.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 47 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Senate to provide "advice and consent" for ratifying the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which the U.S. signed in 1993 but has never ratified. Currently, the U.S. participates only as an observer in CBD negotiations without voting rights, limiting its influence on global biodiversity policies that affect national security and economic interests. The resolution notes the U.S. is already legally compliant with the CBD’s obligations under existing law and is a top international conservation funder. It argues that ratification would restore U.S. voting power and alignment with global efforts to address biodiversity loss, which impacts all Americans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 436) symbolically designates the week of May 22-26, 2023, as "Educator Mental Health Awareness Week" to highlight mental health challenges faced by teachers and school staff. It directly addresses educators, citing pandemic-era data showing high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among teachers compared to the general population. The resolution expresses support for recognizing educator well-being as critical to student success but does not create new policies, funding, or enforceable requirements. As a non-binding resolution, it serves solely as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness.

This resolution encourages the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to continue its work in educating the public about the dangers of antisemitism and the origins of the Holocaust, congratulates those responsible for the creation of the museum, condemns antisemitism, supports educational and community-based programs that counter antisemitism and hate, and supports the designation of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Day.

This resolution supports (1) the goals of Wildfire Preparedness Week; and (2) resources and educational initiatives that communicate how affected communities can take preventative measures such as instituting early warning systems and reducing unplanned human ignitions, as well as how to safely and efficiently evacuate people and their animals.

Maddy summaryHR 3588 authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Dr. John Cheng, a Laguna Niguel, California physician who died protecting 40 parishioners during a 2022 church shooting. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be presented to Dr. Cheng's wife. It also permits the minting of bronze duplicates for sale, with proceeds covering production costs, and includes a non-binding request for expedited production. This commemorative measure honors Dr. Cheng's sacrifice and service, with no direct policy impact on current laws or regulations.