Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Maddy summaryHR 4440, the *Protecting Federal Employee Rights to Personnel Files Act of 2025*, requires federal agencies to provide current and former employees with copies of their official personnel files. Current employees must receive copies within seven days of requesting them, while employees who separated after the law's enactment get copies within seven days of separation. Former employees who separated before the law's enactment must receive copies within 21 days of requesting them from the Office of Personnel Management. The bill mandates these copies be provided in both electronic and physical formats, directly affecting all federal workers seeking access to their personnel records.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow states to create their own universal health care systems by applying for waivers that replace federal health programs with state-based coverage. States would need to demonstrate they can cover at least 95% of residents within 5 years, maintain comparable benefits and affordability, and provide comprehensive coverage including reproductive health services. The federal government would redirect funds that would have gone to federal programs like Medicaid and Medicare to the states, with states required to submit regular reports on coverage progress and costs. The bill includes specific protections for Indian health care providers and ensures coverage for vulnerable populations without imposing new costs on them. This framework would apply to states that choose to implement their own universal health care system rather than relying on existing federal programs.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 42 is a symbolic congressional resolution recognizing the persistent wage gap between Black women and White, non-Hispanic men in the U.S. It highlights that Black women earn 66 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men working full-time year-round, with the gap taking over 200 years to close at current rates. The resolution emphasizes how this disparity - rooted in both racial and gender discrimination - impacts Black women’s ability to afford essentials like education, childcare, and housing. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the issue on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day (July 10, 2025) and reaffirms support for equal pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 4286) requires the U.S. State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy within 90 days to address Haiti's security crisis, focusing on strengthening Haitian security forces, countering gang violence, and expanding economic opportunities through programs like Haiti HOPE/HELP. The strategy must assess international coordination, arms trafficking, sanctions impacts on aid, and gang reintegration, while prioritizing Haitian-led solutions. It mandates annual reports to Congress for five years tracking progress on security, governance, and humanitarian efforts, with specific metrics for evaluating U.S. support. The bill directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation in Haiti and Haitian civil society, security forces, and international partners.

Maddy summaryThe Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025 creates a federal grant program to help high-need schools hire and retain mental health professionals like counselors, psychologists, and social workers. It targets schools in the top 15% of need (based on student poverty or counts) that lack required staff ratios, such as one counselor per 250 students. Grants fund recruitment incentives (e.g., student loan repayment), retention programs, and evidence-based mental health services, with recipients required to contribute 25% of costs from non-federal funds. Schools must report annually on staff numbers, student-to-staff ratios, and retention rates to track progress toward improved mental health access.

Maddy summaryHRES 550 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It formally encourages all U.S. citizens to celebrate Pride Month to learn about LGBTQIA+ history, including the Stonewall Inn and Compton's Cafeteria uprisings. The resolution affirms that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and emphasizes the ongoing struggle for equality. It has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic statement of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and its history.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 by preventing courts from dismissing claims based on time-related defenses (like laches or adverse possession) or other non-merits arguments (such as the act of state doctrine or forum non-conveniens). It specifically bars these defenses for claims seeking recovery of art looted by Nazis during World War II, ensuring cases are resolved on their merits. The bill applies to all pending cases and new claims filed after enactment, regardless of the victim's nationality. It strengthens the original law's purpose of enabling victims' heirs to pursue rightful recovery without procedural barriers.

Maddy summaryThe No Secret Police Act of 2025 requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Department of Homeland Security officers working on border security or immigration enforcement to visibly display their official badges or uniforms and provide identification during detentions or arrests. It prohibits officers from wearing face coverings that conceal their face during these interactions. The bill also mandates that the Department report to Congress about tactical gear policies and research technology to improve badge visibility in different conditions like weather or lighting. These changes aim to increase transparency in immigration enforcement encounters.

Maddy summaryHRES 547 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups; instead, it encourages the public to observe the month through ceremonies and celebrations. The resolution affirms that Caribbean Americans' contributions are integral to U.S. history, progress, and cultural diversity. It supports the month's goals and highlights the community's longstanding role in American society, from historical figures like Alexander Hamilton to modern leaders like Kamala Harris. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to honor this cultural observance.

Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare telehealth coverage by removing geographic restrictions that limited where patients could receive care, expanding the types of health care providers who can offer telehealth services, and eliminating the requirement for an in-person visit before receiving telemental health services. The bill includes specific provisions to support telehealth use for Native American health facilities, rural health clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. It requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to collect and publish data on telehealth usage and impacts, and to develop resources to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Program integrity measures are added to monitor telehealth billing practices and prevent fraud while maintaining coverage for telehealth services during public health emergencies.