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

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pathway to permanent residency for certain college graduates who entered the U.S. as children under specific nonimmigrant visa categories (excluding H-1B, L-1, etc.). To qualify, applicants must have been lawfully present for 10 years total (including 8 years as a dependent child), graduated from a U.S. college, and not be inadmissible. It also changes how "child status" is determined for immigration purposes - using specific dates instead of age to prevent "age-outs" for dependents of long-term visa holders - and preserves priority dates for family members. These changes apply to individuals who entered the U.S. before age 21 and maintained lawful status under qualifying visas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health plans and insurers to create a clear, timely process for patients or doctors to request exceptions when step therapy protocols (which force patients to try cheaper drugs first) might harm them. It mandates approval for exceptions in six specific cases, such as when prior treatments failed, delaying care risks severe harm, or the required drug causes adverse reactions. Plans must respond within 72 hours (24 hours for emergencies) and cover the requested drug for at least one year if approved. Additionally, health plans must report annual data on exception requests, approvals, denials, and reasons to the government for transparency.

Maddy summaryThe Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 ensures continued operation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs during government funding gaps. It allows the FAA to use unspent funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to maintain critical services - including air traffic control, airport infrastructure, and safety research - at the previous fiscal year's funding level if Congress fails to pass a new budget. This prevents shutdowns for up to 30 days or until a new budget is enacted, with spending limited to prior-year rates and subject to existing program rules. The bill directly affects all FAA operations, keeping airports and air traffic systems running during budget delays.

Maddy summaryThis resolution acknowledges that after the September 11, 2001, attacks, Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Sikh communities faced widespread hate, government targeting, and discrimination - including policies like the 2002 National Security Entry-Exit Registration System and mass detentions without evidence. It calls for an independent commission to review these historical policies, document their impact, and recommend changes to dismantle ongoing discriminatory practices. The resolution also urges funding for community-based organizations to provide hate crime prevention, mental health support, and culturally accessible alternatives to law enforcement, while requesting health studies on the effects of profiling and hate.

Maddy summaryHRES 746 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning all political violence - including attacks on elected officials, candidates, and public figures - and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents. It specifically urges law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such violence, calls on public officials and media to avoid inflammatory language, and references recent incidents like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk and targeted shootings of Minnesota legislators. The resolution does not create new laws but formally expresses the House’s commitment to protecting public servants and promoting peaceful political discourse. It directly affects the House’s public stance and serves as a call to action for officials, media, and communities to foster civil engagement.

Maddy summaryHRES 744 is a non-binding House resolution supporting the designation of September 21-27, 2025, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week." It honors families who lost members in military service (Gold Star Families) and families of veterans, recognizing their sacrifices. The resolution encourages Americans to observe the week through community service and by celebrating the lives of those who died defending the U.S. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these families annually. This is a commemorative measure, not a legislative change.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $5 million annually (2026-2030) to states for collecting de-identified stillbirth data through existing health systems, including risk factor analysis. It also provides $1 million yearly to develop standardized guidelines for healthcare providers and public educational materials about stillbirths, requiring consultation with medical professionals, bereavement organizations, and affected families. The bill mandates that all data collection complies with privacy laws and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publish a public report on stillbirth guidelines within five years. It directly affects state health departments, healthcare providers, and families experiencing stillbirth by improving data quality and access to resources.

Maddy summaryThe Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 requires U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to create and distribute clear anti-harassment policies covering harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, or religion. These policies must explicitly prohibit harassment in all settings - including online, on campus, off-campus housing, and during school-sponsored activities - and outline reporting procedures and support services for victims. The bill also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund schools developing prevention programs, victim support services, or staff/student training on recognizing and addressing harassment. Grants are competitive, require annual reporting on effectiveness, and must be used to improve existing efforts without replacing existing civil rights laws like Title IX.

Maddy summaryHR 5476, the PARA Educators Act, provides federal grants to states to help recruit and retain school support staff (paraprofessionals) in public elementary, secondary, and preschool programs. It allocates funds based on previous Title I education funding, requiring states to prioritize schools serving high numbers of low-income students or those meeting specific poverty criteria. States can use the funds for proven programs like mentoring for paraprofessionals, professional development, helping staff earn credentials (e.g., special education or English learner certificates), and increasing wages or offering retention bonuses. The law mandates annual reporting on wage baselines, paraprofessional employment, and program outcomes. This bill directly affects paraprofessionals and the schools they support, particularly in high-poverty communities.

Maddy summaryThe Redistricting Reform Act of 2025 requires states to use independent redistricting commissions for congressional redistricting, banning partisan gerrymandering and requiring plans to comply with constitutional and Voting Rights Act standards. The bill establishes ranked criteria for redistricting, prioritizing population equality, voting rights protections, and community preservation over partisan advantage. It mandates multi-partisan commission composition with public input and transparency requirements, with states facing court-developed plans if they miss deadlines. The law would apply to redistricting after the 2030 census, affecting all 50 states' congressional district maps.