Rep. Danny K. Davis

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' symbolic support for designating February 27-March 3, 2023, as "Public Schools Week." It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or institutions. The resolution highlights the importance of public schools to democracy, equity, and student success through a series of supporting statements. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the significance of public education.

Maddy summaryHR 1222, the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023, authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments established in 1866 (later consolidated into four regiments). The medal recognizes their service from the post-Civil War era through World War II, including roles in frontier protection, national park preservation, and combat during major conflicts. After awarding the medal, it will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. This bill is purely commemorative, with no new policies or direct impacts on current laws or individuals.

This bill redesignates the federal building located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia, commonly known as the J. Edgar Hoover Federal Building, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Building.

Dr. Norman C. Francis Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman Christopher Francis in recognition of his contributions to the United States through his lifelong dedication to education, justice, and public service.

Maddy summaryThe EQUAL Act (HR 1062) eliminates the unequal sentencing disparity between crack cocaine (cocaine base) and powder cocaine offenses under federal law. It repeals specific provisions in the Controlled Substances Act and Import/Export Act that previously imposed harsher penalties for cocaine base, directly affecting individuals convicted of federal cocaine offenses involving cocaine base. The bill applies to all future cases and allows courts to reduce sentences for people already convicted of such offenses before the law's enactment. This change removes a key legal distinction that historically led to significantly longer sentences for crack cocaine offenses compared to powder cocaine.

Maddy summaryHRES 150 is a ceremonial House resolution honoring the late civil rights leader John Robert Lewis (1940-2020). It formally recognizes his lifelong commitment to nonviolent activism, including his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, the 1965 Selma voting rights march ("Bloody Sunday"), and his 30+ years serving as a U.S. Representative from Georgia. The resolution specifically commends his "towering achievements in the nonviolent struggle for civil rights" and his dedication to building the "Beloved Community" through justice and equality. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact but serves as an official tribute to Lewis's legacy for the public and Congress.

Maddy summaryThe Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2023 would establish a new Cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding within the executive branch of the U.S. government. The department would include multiple offices focused on domestic and international peacebuilding, violence prevention, peace education, and conflict resolution, with specific offices dedicated to areas like peace education, domestic activities, international activities, technology, arms control, and human rights. It would create a Secretary of Peacebuilding position and require the department to develop policies addressing root causes of violence, promote nonviolent conflict resolution, and collaborate with existing federal agencies. The bill would mandate annual reports on progress toward peace in the United States and require consultation with other departments on matters related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Andrew Jackson Statue Removal Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to remove the Andrew Jackson statue and marble base from Lafayette Square in the District of Columbia. Interior shall donate the Andrew Jackson statue and marble base to a museum or other similar entity. The recipient of the statue and base may not store, display, or exhibit the statue outside, but if the statue is stored, displayed, or exhibited outside, ownership of the statue and marble base will revert back to the federal government.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site in Georgia as part of the National Park System. It specifically preserves the West Hunter Street Baptist Church (where Abernathy served as pastor during the civil rights movement) and honors his leadership role. The site cannot be formally established until the National Park Service acquires sufficient land (through donation or purchase), and requires a management plan within 3 years of funding. The bill directly affects the National Park Service, the State of Georgia, and local communities by designating this location for preservation and public interpretation.

Maddy summaryHR 726, the Veterans for Mustangs Act, amends the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize recruiting military veterans for training in on-range fertility control methods for wild horse and burro populations. The bill mandates that veterans complete a certification program (like the PZP applicator course) and receive appropriate compensation, with the Bureau of Land Management allowed to contract these veterans for management activities without classifying them as federal employees. This directly affects military veterans seeking employment opportunities and the Bureau of Land Management’s approach to managing wild horse populations. The key change is embedding veteran recruitment into the standard process for implementing fertility controls, replacing previous management language with specific veteran-focused provisions.