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

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals longstanding restrictions on federal funding for gun violence research that have been in place since 1996. It establishes a National Gun Violence Research Program coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, authorizing $200 million over six years ($200,000 annually from 2026-2031) to fund research across multiple agencies including the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and National Institute of Justice. The bill requires sharing of gun trace data with researchers and creates an interagency working group and advisory committee to guide the research program. This legislation focuses on enabling research into the causes and prevention of gun violence without making changes to gun laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates the week of September 22-28, 2025, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Week" to raise public awareness about falls among older adults (65+). It directly affects older adults and organizations working on fall prevention, such as healthcare providers and community groups. The resolution cites CDC data showing falls cause 41,000 annual deaths and $80 billion in medical costs, while encouraging existing evidence-based strategies like home safety modifications and balance exercises. It does not create new laws or funding but supports awareness efforts and collaboration among federal agencies, the Aging Network, and healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHR 5604, the National Guard Proper Use Act, prohibits military and National Guard personnel from being ordered to enforce federal immigration laws. It adds new sections to military law (Title 10 for active forces and Title 32 for the National Guard), explicitly stating members cannot be directed to perform duties related to immigration enforcement. This directly affects military commanders who might attempt to assign such tasks and ensures National Guard members remain focused on their core missions, not civilian immigration enforcement. The bill references the Posse Comitatus Act (18 U.S.C. §1385), a longstanding law that limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. It clarifies existing legal boundaries without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 5614, the "If You See It, Squish It Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of Agriculture to launch a national public awareness campaign about spotted lanternflies. The campaign requires placing TV, radio, and billboard ads in high-incidence areas to inform the public that spotted lanternflies are invasive pests threatening agriculture and to encourage people to kill any they encounter. It specifically mandates these public service announcements and allows the Secretary to use additional awareness tools. This bill directly affects residents in regions with spotted lanternfly infestations by providing information on identifying and addressing the pest.

Maddy summaryHRES 764 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing persistent disparities in mental health access and treatment for Black youth. It cites alarming statistics, including a 149% rise in suicide rates among Black adolescents (2007-2023) and higher rates of suicide attempts among Black high school students. The resolution calls on the current administration to continue previous efforts addressing these disparities, incorporate recommendations from the Congressional Black Caucus’s "Ring the Alarm" report, and protect the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an independent agency. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the crisis and a request for policy continuity.

Maddy summaryHR 5545, "Katie Meyer’s Law," requires colleges and universities receiving certain federal funds to provide students facing alleged violations of campus conduct codes with the option of having an adviser during disciplinary proceedings. Institutions must adopt policies allowing students to choose an outside adviser or request an independent adviser from the school, who must be trained on campus procedures and can participate in hearings as an advocate. The law also mandates that advisers may receive bi-weekly updates with student permission and ensures students are informed of their adviser options in written notifications. This directly affects students in disciplinary cases at participating higher education institutions across the U.S.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 50 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the yellow flag with three red stripes - formerly the flag of the Republic of Vietnam (1949-1975) - as a symbol for the Vietnamese-American community in the U.S. It affirms the flag's meaning to over 1.5 million Vietnamese Americans who fled after 1975, representing shared sacrifices with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and their ongoing commitment to democratic values. The resolution does not create legal obligations or policy changes; it solely serves to acknowledge this flag as a unifying emblem for the community. This is a procedural recognition, not a legislative act with concrete policy effects.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns the use of federal regulatory agencies (like the FCC) or lawsuits to suppress lawful speech critical of political parties or the President, specifically referencing concerns about tactics mirroring authoritarian practices. It does not create new laws but formally warns that such actions undermine First Amendment protections and democratic norms. The resolution directly affects media organizations, journalists, and public discourse by calling on government agencies to avoid using their power for political retaliation. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to protecting free expression and urges officials to refrain from pressuring media to silence criticism.

Maddy summaryHRES 754 is a House resolution recognizing the psychological harm caused by current immigration enforcement practices, specifically affecting undocumented immigrants, their families (including 5.5 million U.S.-citizen children living with undocumented relatives), and communities. It condemns ICE tactics that undermine due process and Fourth Amendment rights, such as expedited deportations and courthouse arrests, and calls for Congress to oversee ICE detention centers and monitor policy implementation. The resolution also requests federal agencies collect data on mental health impacts and collaborate with nonprofits to provide culturally appropriate mental health services to affected communities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally acknowledges documented psychological effects like anxiety, family separation trauma, and disrupted community stability.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 22-28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor institutions that serve Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. It recognizes these colleges and universities as critical providers of higher education, noting they enroll 46% of AANHPI undergraduates despite comprising only 7% of U.S. institutions. The resolution emphasizes their role in supporting low-income, first-generation students and preserving cultural heritage, while calling for national recognition through community activities during the designated week. It is a symbolic gesture with no funding or policy changes attached.