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

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal officials from reducing, eliminating, or suspending funding for land-grant colleges and universities without specific authorization from Congress. It directly affects public institutions designated as land-grant colleges under the 1977 National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act. The key provision requires that any change to their funding must be explicitly approved by an Act of Congress, preventing unilateral federal action. This creates a clear legal barrier against unexpected funding cuts to these institutions. The bill focuses on preserving existing funding streams rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHR 3243, the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025, bans the provision of paid conversion therapy aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, and prohibits advertising such therapy as effective, safe, or without risk. It directly affects LGBTQ+ individuals and their families who might be targeted by these practices, as professionals have determined conversion therapy is ineffective and harmful. The law treats violations as deceptive acts under consumer protection laws, empowering the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce it through civil actions. It explicitly excludes legitimate gender transition support and non-discriminatory counseling from the ban.

Maddy summaryHR 3246, "Violet’s Law," amends the Animal Welfare Act to require federal research facilities to create plans for placing eligible animals (dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, or rabbits) no longer needed for research. It directs federal departments and agencies operating such facilities to develop standards within one year of enactment to facilitate adoption or placement with qualified organizations like animal rescue groups, sanctuaries, or shelters. Animals must be certified by a licensed veterinarian as free of infectious disease or physical issues endangering health before release. This applies directly to all U.S. federal agencies conducting animal research, mandating concrete steps to transition animals out of research settings into permanent care.

Maddy summaryHRES 386 is a non-binding House resolution condemning President Donald J. Trump's specific actions targeting press freedom, including accusing media outlets without evidence, excluding the Associated Press from White House access, suing CBS News, and seeking to defund public broadcasters like NPR and PBS. It reaffirms the critical role of a free press in democracy and urges the executive branch to respect journalists' rights, while calling for the release of 11 U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) journalists imprisoned abroad. The resolution directly affects journalists, media organizations, and the executive branch by formally criticizing actions that threaten press independence. It does not create new laws but serves as a formal congressional statement of support for press freedom.

Maddy summaryHR 3218, the Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act, requires law enforcement and government agencies to swear under oath that they will not use reproductive or sexual health information in investigations or legal proceedings. It amends federal wiretap laws (18 U.S.C. § 2518) and communication disclosure rules (18 U.S.C. § 2703) to mandate this protection. The bill defines "reproductive or sexual health information" broadly to include details about abortion, contraception, IVF, pregnancy, sexual health conditions, and related medical services. This directly affects law enforcement, courts, and service providers by legally restricting how sensitive health data can be used in investigations. The law aims to prevent government use of such data to target individuals seeking or providing reproductive care.

Maddy summaryThe HOME Act of 2025 prohibits landlords and sellers from charging "unconscionably excessive" rental or home sale prices during a federally declared affordable housing crisis. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must determine crisis periods using metrics like mortgage rates, median home prices, and disaster declarations, with restrictions limiting crisis periods to 30 days (renewable). Violations are enforced by HUD and state attorneys general, with penalties funding affordable housing through the Housing Trust Fund. The law also requires HUD to monitor housing markets, investigate excessive investor purchases, and review anti-competitive practices in rental markets.

Maddy summaryHRES 380 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of May 5-9, 2025, as "Teacher Appreciation Week." It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes teachers' contributions to education. The resolution affirms teachers' role in shaping students' futures and calls for including teachers in education policymaking at all levels. It highlights teacher survey data showing broad support for policies like equitable school funding and culturally responsive teaching, though the resolution itself only expresses support for the week's designation. This is a non-binding gesture with no direct impact on affected individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 3199, the Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025, bans the import, export, sale, breeding, and possession of certain nonhuman primates (including chimpanzees, gorillas, and lemurs) in interstate or foreign commerce. It directly affects pet owners, breeders, zoos, and wildlife facilities that currently handle these primates. The bill allows limited exceptions for existing owners who register their primates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, agree to stop breeding/selling, and prevent public contact. It amends the Lacey Act to implement these restrictions, with enforcement beginning immediately regardless of regulatory timelines.

Maddy summaryHRES 376 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of May 4, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason." It recognizes reason as essential to scientific progress, democratic institutions, and addressing modern challenges like disinformation and climate change. The resolution encourages all Americans to observe this day and promote critical thinking, evidence-based solutions, and free inquiry. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not create new laws, programs, or direct obligations for any group.

Maddy summaryHRES 372 is a symbolic resolution designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month" to address stigma around menstruation. It does not create new laws but formally recognizes how menstrual stigma impacts women, girls, and people who menstruate in areas like education, health, and daily life. The resolution supports efforts to normalize menstruation, improve access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, and promote research on menstrual health conditions. It urges awareness and education to advance gender equity but has no legal force or direct policy changes.