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

Maddy summaryHRES 1279 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating June 2024 as "Black Music Month." It honors Black musicians, creators, and communities whose contributions have shaped American music across genres like blues, jazz, hip-hop, and gospel. The resolution calls on all Americans to recognize the month through actions that elevate Black music's artistry, promote diversity, and spread awareness of its historical impact. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate Black music's cultural significance. The resolution was introduced by multiple House members and refers to Black music's role in American history and the civil rights movement.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans rental property owners (with 4+ units) and software services from using algorithms that coordinate pricing or lease terms among landlords, which could enable price-fixing. It specifically prohibits "coordinating functions" like collecting and analyzing rental data to recommend prices or occupancy levels, deeming such use a per se violation of antitrust law. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general can enforce these rules, and victims of violations can sue for triple damages. Pre-dispute arbitration agreements or waivers preventing class actions related to these violations are also invalidated.

Maddy summaryHR 8609, the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act, creates two new offices within the Supreme Court: an Office of Ethics Counsel to advise justices on ethical matters like financial disclosures and gift acceptance, and an Office of Investigative Counsel to review formal ethics complaints. The Ethics Counsel provides biannual training to justices and submits annual reports to Congress on ethics advice given, while the Investigative Counsel handles complaints filed only by specific congressional leaders (e.g., committee chairs, Senate leaders) and can issue subpoenas for investigations. If a complaint is validated, the Investigative Counsel submits a report to the Chief Justice (or senior associate justice if the Chief is the subject) with findings and recommendations, which must be shared with relevant congressional committees. The bill establishes specific qualifications, pay rates ($180,000-$225,000 annually), and term limits for both offices’ staff.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1271) is a symbolic gesture expressing the House's support for designating June 7, 2024, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2024 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or policies but urges the public to wear orange, raise awareness about gun violence, and focus on community safety during summer months when such incidents often increase. The resolution references statistics on gun-related deaths and honors victims like Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed in 2013. It directly affects the public by calling on individuals and communities to participate in awareness activities. This is a non-binding, commemorative measure with no direct legal impact on legislation or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the GOSAFE Act, prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (those holding more than 10 rounds). It defines "gas-operated" firearms as those using gas from fired cartridges to cycle the action, and requires the Attorney General to maintain a list of prohibited firearms. Manufacturers must seek approval for new semi-automatic firearms before selling them to civilians, and the bill creates a fund to support buy-back programs for prohibited firearms and devices. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 or 12 months in jail, with harsher penalties for those who commit other federal crimes while in possession of prohibited firearms.

Maddy summaryHRES 1260 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating May 2024 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Awareness Month." It recognizes progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) as a rare neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 30,000 Americans, with no known cure and symptoms including cognitive decline, balance issues, and speech difficulties. The resolution specifically supports raising public awareness, encourages research for better treatments and a cure, and commends efforts by patients, families, and organizations working to improve PSP care. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to increase visibility for this under-recognized condition.

Maddy summaryThe Endometriosis CARE Act (HR 8565) directs the National Institutes of Health to fund research and data collection on endometriosis, including $50 million annually from 2025-2029 for studies on treatments and potential cures. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to analyze barriers to treatment access - like insurance coverage and provider shortages - and report findings within two years. The bill also mandates public education campaigns about endometriosis, with a focus on underserved racial/ethnic groups, and funds provider training on evidence-based care. Additionally, it authorizes a National Academies study on health disparities related to endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. The law directly affects people with endometriosis, healthcare providers, and research institutions through new federal funding and data collection requirements.

Maddy summaryThe George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2024 establishes a National Police Misconduct Registry to track complaints and disciplinary actions against officers, requiring all federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to report use-of-force incidents with racial, gender, and age data. It bans chokeholds and carotid holds in police encounters, prohibits no-knock warrants in drug cases, and reforms qualified immunity to make it harder for officers to avoid accountability for misconduct. The bill mandates body cameras for federal officers, requires independent investigations of officer-involved shootings, and creates new data collection systems to monitor racial profiling and use-of-force patterns. It also includes provisions for civilian oversight boards, improved officer training on de-escalation and implicit bias, and restrictions on military equipment transfers to local police departments. This law affects all law enforcement agencies receiving federal funding under programs like Byrne and COPS grants.

Maddy summaryThe Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (HR 620) requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director to annually submit a budget estimate for Alzheimer’s-related initiatives - including personnel needs - directly to the President for review and then to Congress. This budget must be prepared after public comment and submitted without changes by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Advisory Council. The bill directly affects the NIH’s budget reporting process for Alzheimer’s research and programs, mandating transparency in how funds are allocated. It does not change funding levels but establishes a specific annual reporting mechanism to improve accountability.

Maddy summaryHRES 1248 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the harmful impact of menstruation stigma on women, girls, and people who menstruate. It supports designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month" to promote normalization of menstruation, improve access to education and resources, and address menstrual health disparities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness and encourage efforts to advance menstrual health equity.