Rep. Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr.

Maddy summaryHRES 1588 is a House resolution supporting Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) by recognizing the epidemic of violence against transgender people and memorializing those killed between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. It specifically honors 38 transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals whose lives were lost to violence during that period, highlighting that transgender women of color face disproportionate risks. The resolution acknowledges systemic issues like underreporting, barriers to healthcare, and higher rates of homelessness and suicide within the community. It calls for the U.S. government to prioritize solutions to this violence while affirming transgender people's right to dignity and safety. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these issues for congressional record.

Maddy summaryThis resolution supports the United Nations' second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034) and urges the U.S. Department of State to advance global efforts to combat racial discrimination. It specifically calls for U.S. backing of the UN Declaration on human rights for people of African descent, funding for the UN Expert Mechanism on racial justice, and collaboration with civil society to address systemic racism in areas like education, health, and justice. The resolution emphasizes a gender-focused approach, including support for Afro-descendant women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. As a non-binding resolution, it directs U.S. foreign policy priorities without creating new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHRES 1582 is a non-binding House resolution honoring the seven individuals who died in the October 19, 2024, gangway collapse on Sapelo Island, Georgia, during the Gullah Geechee Cultural Day celebration. It specifically names the victims - Isaiah Thomas, Carlotta McIntosh, Jacqueline Crews Carter, Cynthia Alynn Gibbs, Queen Welch, William Lee Johnson, Jr., and Charles League Houston - and extends condolences to their families, the Gullah Geechee community, and those injured. The resolution also expresses hope for the recovery of the wounded and thanks first responders. As a commemorative resolution, it contains no policy changes or legislative mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHRES 1581 is a symbolic resolution expressing congressional support for designating November 2024 as "Prematurity Awareness Month." It highlights the U.S. maternal and infant health crisis, including higher preterm birth rates and disparities affecting Black and Native American women and their infants. The resolution urges Americans, communities, and organizations to observe the month through events and education focused on preterm birth prevention. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about this health issue, which contributes to infant mortality and costs an estimated $25.2 billion annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Medicaid from covering conversion therapy for any enrollee. It amends federal law to block Medicaid payments for any therapy aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity (defined as "conversion therapy" in the bill), starting in the first full quarter after the law takes effect. The prohibition applies to all Medicaid providers who offer such therapy for compensation, but explicitly excludes support for gender transition, acceptance-based care, and interventions focused on safety or unlawful conduct. It directly affects Medicaid recipients seeking therapy and providers who previously billed for conversion therapy services.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the operating period for the African American Civil Rights Network program from 7 years to 10 years after the act's enactment. It directly affects the existing program, which supports organizations preserving civil rights history and promoting education, by allowing it to continue operating for a longer duration without needing new congressional approval. The change is a straightforward extension of an existing authorization period under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates the existing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park" and establishes a separate "Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve" in Georgia under the National Park System. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for both areas only through voluntary purchases from willing sellers (not eminent domain), with boundaries defined by a specific map. The bill mandates co-management of the park and preserve with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, allows tribal members to continue traditional ceremonies and hunting/fishing under state/federal laws, and requires an advisory council with tribal representation. The National Park Service must administer both areas as a single unit while respecting tribal cultural uses and existing wildlife refuge management.

Maddy summaryHR 10160, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, requires the Department of Justice Inspector General to study sexual harassment and assault against Bureau of Prisons staff. Within one year of enactment, the IG must analyze historical data on such incidents and punishments in federal prisons, then submit a report to Congress and the Attorney General within 180 days. The Attorney General must then create national standards for preventing and punishing these offenses within one year of receiving the report. This bill directly affects Bureau of Prisons correctional officers and staff by initiating a process to develop new safety protocols, but does not implement immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1558) is a symbolic House of Representatives measure supporting October as "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally expresses the House's support for raising awareness about domestic violence and its impacts, and urges continued backing for existing programs that address domestic violence. The resolution cites statistics on domestic violence prevalence (e.g., 24 people per minute affected by intimate partner violence) to underscore the importance of the observance. It directly affects public awareness efforts but does not change policies or directly impact individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies that use or fund complex computer systems (like AI or machine learning algorithms) affecting government programs, economic opportunities, or protected rights to establish civil rights offices focused on algorithmic bias. These offices must submit detailed biennial reports to Congress on algorithm risks, mitigation steps, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations. The law also mandates an interagency working group under the Justice Department to coordinate efforts across agencies. It applies only to covered federal agencies, not private companies, and focuses on creating new reporting requirements rather than directly changing how algorithms operate.