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

Maddy summaryHR 433, the Department of Education Protection Act, prohibits the use of federal funds to reorganize the Department of Education. Specifically, it blocks any spending from current fiscal year appropriations on activities that would decentralize the department, reduce staffing, or alter its structure, responsibilities, or authority relative to its organization as of January 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Department of Education by preventing structural changes to its existing offices and operations. This is a procedural measure focused solely on preserving the current departmental framework, not on changing education policy or funding.

Maddy summaryHRES 41 is a symbolic resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to express support for designating January as "Tamil Language and Heritage Month." It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the cultural significance of Tamil language, history, and contributions. The resolution highlights Tamil's 2,600-year history, the presence of 360,000 Tamil speakers in the U.S., and the Pongal harvest festival celebrated by Tamil communities. It aims to encourage Americans to learn about Tamil heritage and aligns with existing state-level recognitions in places like Michigan and Massachusetts. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects public awareness and cultural celebration, not legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 307, the ARC Act of 2025, aims to reduce avoidable amputations by expanding access to peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening and prevention. It requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover PAD screening tests (like ankle-brachial index tests) without cost-sharing for at-risk beneficiaries, including seniors, diabetics, and those with other vascular risk factors. The bill also establishes a federal education program to raise awareness about PAD and creates quality measures to incentivize hospitals to prioritize non-amputation treatments through early detection. These provisions directly affect millions of Americans, particularly minorities disproportionately impacted by PAD-related amputations, by making preventive care more accessible and integrated into routine care.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the House's support for Korean American Day, commemorating January 13, 1903 - the arrival of the first large wave of Korean immigrants to the U.S. It urges all Americans to observe the day to recognize Korean Americans' contributions to U.S. society, including their economic, cultural, and military service. The resolution honors the 122nd anniversary of this historical arrival, acknowledging the resilience of early Korean immigrants and their descendants. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group directly.

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 This bill expands the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include separate grants to rescue sea turtles for the next seven years. The grants must be used for the recovery, care, or treatment of sick, injured, or entangled sea turtles; responses to rescue stranded sea turtles; the collection of data and samples from living or dead stranded sea turtles for scientific research or health assessments; facility operating costs that are directly related to activities to assist sea turtles; or  development of stranding network capacity where facilities do not exist or are sparse. In addition, the bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund.

Maddy summaryThe Train EATS Act requires Amtrak to provide two food service options on overnight routes: traditional dining (including healthy meals meeting USDA guidelines and dietary accommodations upon pre-order) and more affordable alternatives for all passengers. Unused first-class dining capacity must be offered to coach passengers on a first-come, first-serve basis. The bill applies to all Amtrak routes operating across different departure and arrival dates. It mandates specific nutritional standards and accessibility while focusing on passenger choice and affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Amtrak to establish an advisory committee within one year to oversee improvements to onboard dining services. The committee, including Amtrak staff, food service unions, passenger groups, and states funding routes, will review Amtrak’s progress on implementing food service recommendations. Amtrak must then submit annual reports to Congress detailing which recommendations are completed, which are deemed impractical (with cost estimates if funding is insufficient), and changes to dining services. A separate Government Accountability Office report will also assess Amtrak’s progress after two years. The bill directly affects Amtrak’s food service operations and involves multiple stakeholders in the oversight process.

Maddy summaryHJRES 13 proposes a constitutional amendment to restrict the President's pardon power. It prohibits pardons for the President themselves, their close family (up to third-degree relatives), current or former administration staff, paid campaign employees, and individuals involved in offenses tied to the President's personal or financial interests. Any pardon granted for corrupt reasons would be invalid. If passed, Congress could create laws to enforce this amendment, requiring ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryThe Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution (HRES 23) would allow U.S. House Members who have given birth or whose spouse has given birth to appoint another Member as a proxy to cast their vote or record their presence in the House and committees for up to 12 weeks after childbirth. To use this, the new parent must submit a signed letter to the Clerk detailing the birth or medical condition and naming the proxy; the proxy must vote exactly as instructed and announce the vote as "by proxy." The proxy vote does not count toward quorum, and the new parent can revoke the proxy at any time by submitting a new letter or casting their own vote. This resolution applies to all House Members, including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, though they cannot cast votes for the House itself.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, legacy, and distinguished public service of former President Jimmy Carter. The resolution also (1) acknowledges President Carter's contributions to the state of Georgia, the United States, and the world; and (2) establishes his legacy as one of the great leaders and statesmen of the United States.