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

Maddy summaryThe SERVE Act expands eligibility for Veterans Affairs benefits to former service members discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity (including gender dysphoria). It directly affects veterans who received entry-level separations, honorable discharges, or other-than-honorable discharges for these reasons, making them eligible for VA hospital care, mental health counseling at Vet Centers, national cemetery interment, education benefits, and housing loans. The bill amends existing VA benefit statutes to include this group by adding specific language to each relevant provision. It also requires the VA to conduct outreach to inform affected veterans and submit a report tracking benefit usage by demographic categories within 15 months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a barrier for parents who borrowed Federal Direct PLUS loans to pay for their dependent children's education. It amends the Higher Education Act to make these PLUS loans eligible for income-contingent repayment (ICR) and income-based repayment (IBR) plans - previously excluded from both. As a result, affected parents can now use income-driven repayment options that adjust payments based on their earnings, rather than being limited to standard repayment. The change applies to existing PLUS loans for dependent students and related consolidation loans, effective upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1472) symbolically recognizes the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. It highlights their economic impact (over 2 million Latina-owned businesses), societal roles (48,000+ active-duty Latinas in the military, 18% of women-owned businesses), and ongoing challenges like the pay gap (Latinas earn 57 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men). The resolution notes that Latinas represent 1 in 5 U.S. women and will comprise 25% of the female population by 2060. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or allocate funds, but formally honors their contributions and acknowledges the need for continued progress.

Maddy summaryHRES 1473 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that condemns racism, bigotry, and misinformation targeting Haitian people and their descendants. It celebrates the historical contributions of Haitian Americans to U.S. society, including founding cities (like Chicago via Jean Baptiste Point du Sable), advancing civil rights (W.E.B. Du Bois), and enriching healthcare, education, and culture. The resolution specifically calls on all Americans to reject racist tropes and misinformation, and urges elected officials to promote inclusivity and responsible communication. It was introduced in response to recent false claims that fueled threats against Haitian communities, such as the bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio.

Maddy summaryThe Judiciary Accountability Act of 2024 establishes new protections for employees in the federal judiciary by extending workplace rights under existing civil rights laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, Rehabilitation Act, GINA) to all judicial branch employees. It creates an Office of Judicial Integrity with a Board of Directors to handle complaints about discrimination, harassment, and workplace misconduct through a process of preliminary review, mediation, and hearings. The bill also establishes an Office of Employee Advocacy to provide confidential legal assistance to employees, and requires judges who commit misconduct to reimburse the Office for certain settlements or awards. The law applies to all employees of federal courts, judges' offices, and judicial branch agencies, with annual reporting requirements to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to establish a fifth round of payments for eligible victims of state-sponsored terrorism, requiring all authorized payments to be distributed by December 31, 2024. It directs specific funds into the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, including $898 million from the Binance case settlement and 50% of annual unobligated balances from DOJ and Treasury forfeiture funds starting December 1, 2024. The bill mandates annual payments beginning January 1, 2025, for eligible claimants and requires the Special Master to submit annual reports on fund activity to Congress, including detailed deposit and disbursement records. It directly affects victims of state-sponsored terrorism, the Special Master administering the fund, and federal agencies managing forfeiture funds.

Maddy summaryHRES 1466 is a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating September 15-21, 2024, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." It does not create new programs but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of adult foundational education, workforce skills, and family literacy programs. The resolution encourages public support for existing initiatives that help adults improve literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, which the text notes benefit economic stability, parental involvement in children’s education, and workforce readiness for millions of adults. It specifically highlights challenges like low literacy among 43 million adults, unemployed individuals, and incarcerated populations.

Maddy summaryThe Homes Act of 2024 would establish a new Housing Development Authority within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop permanently affordable housing. The Authority would acquire properties and convey them to eligible entities (including community land trusts, tenant organizations, and public housing agencies) under strict requirements for permanent affordability, climate resilience, and community control. The bill would set rents at 25% of household income, limit annual rent increases to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, and require "just-cause" evictions with tenant protections. It would also create a tenant right to purchase their rental properties through a "first look" process and prioritize housing for underserved communities and families experiencing homelessness.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. government to immediately restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reversing a temporary funding pause. It repeals two appropriations acts that halted payments and requires the Secretary of State to resume UNRWA funding under existing authorities. The legislation specifically aims to support UNRWA’s critical humanitarian work - providing shelter, education, healthcare, and aid to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan - during an acute famine risk in Gaza. It also mandates quarterly reports to Congress on UNRWA’s implementation of reforms from an independent review, ensuring accountability for its humanitarian mission.

Maddy summaryHR 9647, the President Jimmy Carter Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award a single gold medal to former President Jimmy Carter in recognition of his service. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. It does not create new policies or affect any government programs or individuals beyond this ceremonial honor. The medal is intended to commemorate Carter's presidency, humanitarian work through the Carter Center, and his Nobel Peace Prize. This is a procedural bill with no substantive legislative impact.