Rep. James A. Himes

Maddy summaryHR 2725, the "Do No Harm Act," amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination or promote equal opportunity. It specifically exempts protections under the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, workplace benefits like leave, child labor safeguards, and healthcare access from RFRA challenges. The bill also clarifies that RFRA does not block private lawsuits between individuals, applying only to cases involving government entities. This amendment ensures that existing federal civil rights and workplace protections remain enforceable under RFRA.

Maddy summaryThe Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2023 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act's requirement that individuals with disabilities receive long-term services and supports in community settings rather than institutions. It defines "community-based" services to include specific housing options where individuals with disabilities can live independently with maximum control over their lives, including access to integrated housing, employment, and community participation. The bill requires states to develop transition plans to move people from institutional settings to community-based services within 12 years, with measurable annual targets for reducing institutionalization. It establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Puppy Protection Act of 2023 sets new standards for businesses that sell dogs (dealers), directly affecting pet stores and breeders operating under the Animal Welfare Act. It requires specific housing with space allowances based on dog size (e.g., 12-30 square feet per dog), temperature control (45-85°F), clean food twice daily, and daily exercise or socialization with humans/dogs for at least 30 minutes. The bill also mandates annual veterinary exams including dental care, strict breeding limits (e.g., age restrictions, maximum 2 litters in 18 months), and efforts to place retired breeding dogs in homes instead of selling them to other breeders. Regulations must be finalized within 18 months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2023 requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to issue guidance within one year on covering pelvic health services (like pelvic floor exams and physical therapy) during the postpartum period under Medicaid and CHIP programs. This guidance will include best practices for payment models, financing options, and standardized terminology to improve access for postpartum women. It also mandates a GAO study on coverage gaps for postpartum services and funds a new CDC-led education campaign to train healthcare providers and inform postpartum women about pelvic health care. The bill directly affects postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, aiming to standardize and expand access to these specific health services.

Freedom to Decide Act This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress to (1) affirm that federal law authorizes the distribution of medication abortion, including by mail, as stated in a 2022 Department of Justice memorandum; and (2) condemn restrictions on the access and coverage of reproductive health care, including medication abortion.

Maddy summaryHR 2630, the Safe Step Act, requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to establish a clear, transparent process for patients or their doctors to request exceptions to medication step therapy protocols. These protocols typically force patients to try cheaper drugs first before covering more expensive alternatives. The bill mandates that plans must approve exceptions when prior treatments failed, delay would cause serious harm, a treatment is unsafe, or a patient is stable on a previously approved drug, with strict 72-hour (or 24-hour in emergencies) decision timelines. It also requires plans to publish the exception process online and limit documentation requests to only necessary medical information. This law directly affects health insurers, employers offering health plans, and patients using step therapy for prescription drugs.

Maddy summaryHRES 284 is a non-binding House resolution that commends the University of Connecticut Men's Basketball Team for winning the 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. It specifically honors the team's fifth national title (all since 1999), their undefeated championship game record, and their tournament performance. The resolution formally congratulates the team, UConn fans/staff, and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to UConn's president and head coach. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $50 million annually from 2024 through 2029 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct or support research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. The funding is specifically for studies under the Public Health Service Act, adding to existing research budgets rather than replacing them. It directly affects CDC researchers and public health agencies by providing dedicated resources to study gun violence causes and prevention strategies. The bill creates no new regulations or requirements, only enabling research to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThe Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 would protect access to abortion services by prohibiting states from imposing restrictions that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures. The bill would ensure people can obtain abortion services before fetal viability without unnecessary limitations like mandatory waiting periods or biased counseling, and after viability when necessary to protect the patient's life or health. It would preempt state laws that conflict with these protections and allow for civil enforcement actions to challenge restrictive state laws. This bill directly affects people seeking abortion services (including transgender and nonbinary individuals who can become pregnant), health care providers, and states that have implemented abortion restrictions.

Maddy summaryHRES 277 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2023 that urges the United States Postal Service (USPS) to restore mail delivery standards in effect as of July 1, 2012. It specifically calls for ending the 2015 service cuts that eliminated overnight first-class mail delivery and delayed other mail types, which the resolution states harmed businesses, rural communities, and the economy. The resolution cites the Postal Regulatory Commission’s finding that USPS could achieve cost savings without degrading service, emphasizing that returning to 2012 standards would improve delivery reliability without worsening USPS finances. As a resolution, it does not mandate action but expresses the House’s policy preference.