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

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum salary and wage standards for paraprofessionals and education support staff in public schools. It requires states to set a minimum annual salary of $45,000 for full-time staff (increasing with inflation after 2030) and a minimum hourly wage of $30 for part-time staff (also inflation-adjusted). The federal government will provide $25 billion in FY2026, with annual funding increases, to help states implement these standards through grants. States must ensure all local schools meet these minimums within 4 years of receiving funds, with 98% of grant money allocated directly to schools for salary increases or professional development.

Maddy summaryHR 6271, the Food Bank Emergency Support Act of 2025, appropriates $462.5 million to prevent cuts to food assistance benefits during funding shortfalls or government shutdowns. The funds are specifically designated under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to maintain existing benefit levels for programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and food bank commodity distributions. It ensures these services continue without interruption, including barring furloughs for personnel involved in food distribution during emergencies. The bill directly supports food banks, grocery retailers distributing benefits, and millions of low-income households relying on these services. It takes effect as if enacted on September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 6088, the *Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025*, repeals specific sections (10101-10108) from a prior reconciliation law. This action revives previous provisions related to food security programs that were modified by those repealed sections. The bill directly affects federal food assistance and agricultural support programs by restoring their prior legal framework. It does not create new policies but reverses recent changes to existing food security measures.

Maddy summaryThe MORE Act (HR 5068) would remove cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively decriminalizing it at the federal level while establishing a new tax on cannabis products. The bill creates an Opportunity Trust Fund that would distribute tax revenues to support communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, including funding for expungement programs, job training, and equitable licensing initiatives for minority business owners. It also includes provisions to prevent discrimination based on cannabis use in federal programs, immigration proceedings, and workplace policies. The bill would require federal courts to expunge non-violent cannabis convictions and establish a process for resentencing individuals currently serving time for such offenses. These provisions aim to address racial disparities in cannabis enforcement and create more equitable opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act to improve SNAP (food stamp) access for seniors and disabled individuals. It creates a new standard medical deduction: seniors can self-attest to monthly medical expenses over $35, allowing a fixed $155 deduction (adjusted yearly for inflation) to be subtracted from household income when calculating SNAP benefits. States may also set higher deductions if they provide evidence of higher local medical costs. This directly affects seniors and disabled SNAP recipients with medical expenses, making it easier for them to qualify for benefits by reducing their counted income. The changes apply to certification periods starting after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

Maddy summaryHR 7016, the "No Funds for NATO Invasion Act," blocks federal funding for any U.S. military invasion of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country or territory covered by NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause. The bill prohibits using any federal funds for such invasions and bans U.S. officials from executing these actions. It directly affects U.S. military operations and funding decisions involving NATO members. The law applies to all federal spending, preventing the use of existing budgets for this specific purpose.

Maddy summaryHR 7014 designates Burma for temporary protected status (TPS) under U.S. immigration law, providing eligible Burmese nationals temporary legal status in the U.S. The bill establishes an 18-month TPS period beginning November 25, 2025, for Burmese nationals who have continuously resided in the U.S. since the bill's enactment, are admissible as immigrants (with limited exceptions), and register with Homeland Security. It also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant prior consent for travel abroad for those with emergency circumstances and ensures returning travelers retain their TPS status. This policy change directly affects Burmese nationals meeting these specific criteria, offering temporary protection from deportation.

Maddy summaryThe Customer Non-Discrimination Act (HR 7005) amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex - including sexual orientation and gender identity - in public accommodations. It expands the definition of "public accommodations" to cover stores, online retailers, banks, healthcare providers, transportation services, and other establishments offering goods or services. The bill clarifies that "sex" includes sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and sex stereotypes, and specifies that individuals cannot be denied access to facilities like restrooms based on their gender identity. These changes apply directly to businesses and service providers covered under the Civil Rights Act, ensuring broader protection against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 69) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims, survivors, and Giffords - now a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention - and recognizes her leadership in promoting civility and reducing gun violence. The resolution also commends Tucson residents and first responders for their resilience and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.