This resolution expresses support for the designation of National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to encourage parents to ask, before their child visits another home, whether there is an unlocked gun in the home.
Maddy summaryHR 4201, the Safe Storage Saves Lives Act, requires every firearm seller to offer a compatible secure gun lock or safety device with each firearm sale. This applies to all sellers (both licensed and unlicensed) offering firearms for sale, directly affecting gun purchasers who receive the lock. The bill amends federal law to mandate that sellers provide a lock compatible with the firearm, and violations carry a $1,000 civil penalty. It also directs that fines collected be used to distribute free or low-cost locks or fund public awareness campaigns about safe storage. The law focuses on making secure storage a standard part of firearm transactions.
Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) would amend federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing, employment, credit, and jury service. It amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under existing sex discrimination provisions. The bill would require businesses, housing providers, employers, and government entities to provide equal access and services without regard to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation to clarify protections across all covered areas. The law would apply to all entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including those receiving federal funding.
Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2023 This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms. Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.
Maddy summaryHR 4121, the Right to Contraception Act, establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and contraception services without government restriction or coercion, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers. The bill prohibits state or federal laws that limit access to contraceptives (defined broadly to include devices, drugs, and fertility methods), prevent individuals from obtaining or using them, or allow providers to refuse services based on personal beliefs. It preempts conflicting state laws, requires any restrictions to be justified by "clear and convincing evidence" of advancing access with no less restrictive alternative, and allows private lawsuits to challenge violations. The Act applies nationwide to all health care providers and individuals, protecting access regardless of factors like race, income, or location.
Maddy summaryHR 4052, the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023, would establish a federally chartered National Infrastructure Bank to address the estimated $2.6 trillion infrastructure financing gap identified by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The bank would provide loans, loan guarantees, and blended financing for infrastructure projects in transportation, energy, environmental systems, broadband, and community development, with a total loan limit of $5 trillion. Projects must demonstrate public benefits including economic growth, job creation, environmental improvements, and community development, with priority given to disadvantaged communities and projects meeting specific criteria. The bank would be capitalized with up to $500 billion through the purchase of Treasury securities and other means, operating under a 25-member Board of Directors with oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Maddy summaryHR 4184 repeals legal protections for gun manufacturers and sellers under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. It allows victims of gun violence to use gun trace data from the ATF's Firearms Trace System in civil court cases. This data, previously protected from discovery, can now be subpoenaed, admitted as evidence, and relied upon in lawsuits against gun sellers or manufacturers. The bill directly affects victims seeking legal recourse and gun industry defendants in civil litigation.
Maddy summaryThe American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 would create two pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrants. The "Dream Act" portion would provide conditional permanent resident status to individuals who entered the U.S. as children, have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and meet educational requirements (such as completing high school, earning a degree, or enrolling in education programs). The "American Promise Act" portion would provide permanent residency to individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of specific dates (January 1, 2017, or January 20, 2021). The bill includes provisions for background checks, fee exemptions for low-income applicants, and processes for removing conditional status after meeting specific criteria like completing higher education or earning income.
Maddy summaryHJRES 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the exception in the Thirteenth Amendment that allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. If ratified, this amendment would ban the use of forced labor in prisons as a criminal penalty, directly affecting how the U.S. criminal justice system handles sentencing. The resolution clarifies it does not interfere with voluntary work programs in correctional facilities, existing employment protections for incarcerated people, or community service alternatives. This change aims to eliminate a historical loophole that has disproportionately impacted Black Americans since the 1860s.
Maddy summaryHRES 505 is a non-binding resolution recognizing June 19, 2023, as the annual observance of Juneteenth Independence Day. It acknowledges the historical significance of June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas, marking the first widespread celebration of freedom for formerly enslaved people in the U.S. The resolution encourages all Americans to observe the day through ceremonies and educational activities to honor this milestone in U.S. history. It does not create new policy or benefits but formally supports public recognition of Juneteenth as part of the nation's heritage.
