Rep. Nikema Williams

Sustaining Our Democracy Act This bill establishes and provides funds through FY2032 for the State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund for purposes of promoting election activities. Specifically, the bill establishes the Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program, through which the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation (also established by this bill) shall make allocations to states for carrying out democracy promotion activities. These activities include improving the administration of federal elections, recruiting and training nonpartisan election officials and poll workers, and increasing voting access. The bill requires each state, in order to receive allocated funds, to (1) submit a plan for approval that describes how the state will distribute resources and carry out democracy promotion activities, and (2) establish uniform and nondiscriminatory state-based administrative complaint procedures. The bill prohibits states from using funds for certain activities, including any activity that diminishes the ability of any eligible voter to participate in the electoral process.

Endometriosis Coverage, Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2022 or the Endometriosis CARE Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address endometriosis through increasing awareness, research, and other means. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which may result in pain, infertility, and other symptoms. Specifically, HHS must report on barriers (e.g., issues related to health insurance coverage and costs) to accessing endometriosis care and treatments; disseminate information about endometriosis, such as its symptoms and treatments, to both the public and health care providers; and seek to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study racial, ethnic, and other disparities in endometriosis prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. The National Institutes of Health must also conduct or support data collection, surveillance, and research related to endometriosis.

Diversity and Inclusion Data Accountability and Transparency Act This bill requires certain regulated entities to report to the Offices of Women and Minority Inclusion within specified financial agencies. Specifically, entities that are regulated by such agencies and that have at least 100 employees must provide information to the appropriate Office of Women and Minority Inclusion to allow that office to carry out duties relating to diversity policies and practices.

Maddy summaryHR 301 would amend U.S. law to officially designate "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as the national hymn of the United States. This change would add the song's full composition (words and music) to Title 36 of the U.S. Code, replacing the current designation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the sole national anthem for formal recognition purposes. The bill directly affects federal law and official government ceremonies where the national hymn is performed, though it does not alter the status of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the national anthem. The policy change is purely procedural, establishing a new official designation without impacting any other laws or rights.

City of Atlanta Stormwater Management Act This bill increases the authorization of appropriations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide environmental infrastructure assistance for a combined sewer overflow treatment facility for the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

Foster Youth and Driving Act This bill expands state foster care and adoption assistance programs to provide driving preparation assistance to foster youth and related training for foster parents. The bill further directs assistance to states and tribal organizations for age-appropriate foster youth to, among other things, obtain automobile insurance, complete driver's education, obtain a driver's license, and purchase a vehicle.

Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act or the MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act This bill repeals the restriction on utilizing Department of Defense funds and facilities for performing abortions. The restriction only allows such funds and facilities to be used for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life is endangered.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of an International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia, and Intersexphobia. The resolution encourages (1) health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and agender (LGBTQIA+) community; (2) schools to support the creation of gender and sexuality alliances; (3) individuals to learn about national resources for those who identify as LGBTQIA+; and (4) funding organizations, aid efforts, and governments to prioritize the health and human rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

This resolution encourages the people of the United States to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day, and recognizes the need to raise awareness with respect to menstrual hygiene and to increase research on access to menstrual health management.

Affordability is Access Act This bill establishes several requirements relating to health insurance coverage of, and access to, over-the-counter contraceptives. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury to specify that private health insurance plans must cover over-the-counter contraceptives that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even without a prescription. Under current law, private health insurance plans (with some exceptions) must cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, without cost-sharing requirements. The bill also prohibits retailers from interfering with an individual's access to oral contraceptives that are meant for routine, daily use and are FDA-approved for use without a prescription.