Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Maddy summaryHRES 1386 is a non-binding resolution designating the week of September 26-30, 2022, as "National Clean Energy Week." It expresses the House’s support for this designation and encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to promote clean energy solutions. The resolution highlights clean energy’s economic benefits (like supporting 7.8 million jobs in 2021) and urges investment in affordable, low-emission energy technologies. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is purely symbolic recognition of the clean energy sector’s role in the U.S. economy.

This resolution supports the designation of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The resolution also supports the responsible management of wildlife and natural resources entrusted to the public. Finally, the resolution encourages state-driven hunting and fishing education and safety programs around the country.

VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas.

Fresh Start Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants for states to implement automatic expungement laws (i.e., laws that provide for the automatic expungement or sealing of an individual's criminal records).

Supporting Families of the Fallen Act This bill increases from $400,000 to $500,000 the maximum coverage amount for members (or former members) of a uniformed service under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program.

Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. The bill eliminates the government pension offset , which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own. The bill also eliminates the windfall elimination provision , which in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. These changes are effective for benefits payable after December 2021.

Maddy summaryHRES 1363 designates September 19, 2022, as "National Stillbirth Prevention Day" to recognize the approximately 23,000 stillbirths occurring annually in the U.S. and support efforts to reduce them. The resolution specifically acknowledges racial disparities in stillbirth rates, highlighting that Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous families face the highest risks. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide awareness, evidence-based prevention efforts, improved data collection, and education to help reduce stillbirths by 33% over time. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws but aims to raise public awareness and promote existing prevention strategies. It directly affects families impacted by stillbirth and advocates for greater attention to this public health issue.

This resolution requests the President to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of any document, memorandum, or other communication in his possession, or any portion thereof, that refers or relates to any initiative or negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program that may be required under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2022 This bill expands lender disclosure requirements and revises loan counseling requirements. First, the bill requires a lender to provide a quarterly statement to a Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan borrower during a period when loan payments are not required. The statement must include specified information on the loan and interest amounts and explain the option to pay accrued interest while in deferment or forbearance. In addition, the bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs to provide pre-loan counseling to a student borrower of a federal student loan upon or prior to the first disbursement of each new loan. Currently, an IHE must provide one-time entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower. The bill also revises and expands required elements of pre-loan counseling to include an estimate of the borrower's monthly payment amount compared to the borrower's estimated monthly income after taxes and other expenses, a statement to borrow the minimum necessary amount, a warning that a high debt-to-income ratio makes repayment more difficult, options to reduce borrowing, and an explanation of the importance of on-time graduation. Prior to certifying a Federal Direct Loan disbursement to a student, an IHE must ensure that the student manually enters the exact dollar amount of the loan.

Simplified Joint Consolidation Separation Act This bill establishes a process for separation of joint consolidation loans. Specifically, the bill allows the two borrowers of a joint consolidation loan for their federal student loan debt to jointly request that the Department of Education or loan holder separate their existing joint consolidated loan into two individual consolidation loans. One borrower may request separation of the joint consolidation loan into two individual consolidation loans in the event that the individual has experienced domestic or economic abuse from the other individual borrower or is subject to a decree or agreement requiring the separation of such joint loans and obligations.