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

Maddy summaryHR 2553, the Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025, limits out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under health insurance. It sets a $2,000 annual cap per individual or $4,000 per family for covered prescriptions starting in 2026, with annual adjustments based on the medical care CPI. The bill applies directly to people with employer-sponsored group health plans, individual health insurance plans, and plans covered under the Affordable Care Act. It requires insurers and plan sponsors to ensure cost-sharing for prescriptions does not exceed these limits, effective for plan years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 2587, the Youth Mental Health Research Act, establishes a new NIH research initiative to coordinate studies on youth mental health across federal health institutes. It focuses on two key areas: researching community resilience and early intervention strategies for at-risk youth, and improving how mental health services are delivered in schools, communities, and other settings where young people spend time. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to fund this research. This initiative directly supports future evidence-based approaches to youth mental health, without altering current services or directly affecting individuals.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HCONRES 23) expresses Congress's support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31. It encourages Americans to recognize and celebrate transgender community achievements while acknowledging ongoing challenges like discrimination in employment, healthcare, and public accommodations. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally endorses the day's purpose through non-binding statements of support and recognition. It directly affects the broader public by promoting awareness and respect for transgender individuals' rights and contributions.

Maddy summaryHJRES 86 blocks a specific cost increase for an existing U.S. defense sale to Israel. It prohibits a $624 million upgrade to Major Defense Equipment and $269 million in other defense services, as reported in a March 3, 2025 congressional notice. The bill uses Congress’s authority under the Arms Export Control Act to disapprove this adjustment to a pre-approved sale. This directly affects the Government of Israel’s defense procurement by halting the implementation of the increased costs. The resolution targets a specific transaction (Transmittal No. 25-0C) rather than creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHJRES 84 is a congressional resolution that would block a specific proposed military sale to Israel. It targets defense articles including D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, spare parts, technical support services, and related logistics support described in a March 3, 2025, congressional notice. If passed, the resolution would prohibit the sale of these items by preventing the foreign military sale from moving forward under the Arms Export Control Act.

Maddy summaryHJRES 85 is a resolution that would block a specific proposed U.S. military sale to Israel. It targets the sale of 201 MK 83 bombs, 4,799 BLU-110 bombs, and 5,000 guidance kits for these weapons, as detailed in a government transmittal. If approved, the resolution would prevent the U.S. government from moving forward with this transaction. The measure directly affects the transfer of these defense articles to Israel. It is a disapproval resolution for one specific sale, not a new law.

Maddy summaryHJRES 83 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a specific proposed U.S. military sale to Israel. It directly targets the sale of 35,529 MK 84 or BLU-117 general-purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads, as detailed in a March 2025 government transmittal. If passed, the resolution would prohibit the U.S. government from proceeding with this particular foreign military sale under the Arms Export Control Act. The bill affects the executive branch's ability to authorize the sale and Israel as the intended recipient of these defense articles.

Maddy summaryHRES 279 is a symbolic resolution expressing congressional support for designating the last Saturday of March 2025 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." It directly honors veterans who served in the Vietnam War (1961-1975), recognizing their service and the challenges they faced upon returning home. The resolution encourages public observance through ceremonies and activities to raise awareness of their contributions and support for veterans' re-adjustment to civilian life. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving only as a formal expression of support.

Maddy summaryThe Heating and Cooling Relief Act (HR 2486) expands the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income households struggling with energy costs. It increases funding to cover all eligible households (those with incomes up to 250% of poverty level or 80% of State median income), sets a goal that no household should spend more than 3% of income on energy, and requires states to operate assistance programs year-round. The bill includes new protections against utility shutoffs for 2 years after assistance is received, prohibits late fees during the 6 months following assistance, and mandates weatherization and energy efficiency improvements in low-income housing. It also requires states to develop extreme heat response plans and addresses the $21 billion in residential utility arrears as of September 2024.

Maddy summaryHR 2485, the Arts Education for All Act, requires states and school districts to integrate arts education into K-12 curricula and report on its availability. It mandates states to describe how they will support arts courses, increase certified arts educators (especially in high-need schools), and use arts to enhance teaching in core subjects like math and science (Section 202). Schools must track and report on arts course offerings, teacher qualifications, and student access - including disaggregated data by school poverty levels (Section 203). The bill also expands arts access in juvenile justice programs (Section 301) and funds research on effective arts education methods (Section 401). It directly affects public schools, arts educators, and youth in after-school and correctional settings.