Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022 This bill requires certain businesses that use automated decision systems to make critical decisions to study and report about the impact of those systems on consumers. Critical decisions include those that have a significant effect on a consumer's life such as the cost or availability of health care, housing, educational opportunities, or financial services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with relevant stakeholders, must issue regulations to implement the bill. The bill provides for enforcement by the FTC and specified state officials. Further, the bill establishes a Bureau of Technology to advise the FTC about the technological aspects of its functions.

Office of Technology Assessment Improvement and Enhancement Act This bill renames and revises the functions and duties of the Office of Technology Assessment which, composed of a Technology Assessment Board and a director, provides Congress with assessments of probable technology application impacts. Specifically, the bill renames the office the Congressional Office of Technology, and it requires the office to undertake additional duties, such as providing to Members of Congress (1) certain information without the need for board review, (2) certain technical assistance on legislation related to science and technology without the need for board review, and (3) objective policy options on how Members may achieve goals with respect to science and technology policy. The bill authorizes individual Members of Congress to submit to the board a request that the office undertake an assessment activity. Additionally, the bill requires the Congressional Research Service and the Government Accountability Office to coordinate technology assessment activities with the office to avoid duplication or overlapping of research activities. The bill also (1) allows the office to temporarily appoint specified technical and professional personnel to work for the office, (2) requires the office to make the findings of completed analyses publicly available, (3) revises the appointment of board members, (4) requires the board to hold an annual meeting at which Members of Congress may appear and present information regarding technology assessment activities, and (5) requires the board to report annually on the activities of the office.

Fair College Admissions for Students Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to applicants based on their relationships to donors or alumni of the IHE. The Department of Education may waive the prohibition against preferential treatment based on relationships to alumni for certain IHEs (e.g., historically Black colleges and universities or other minority-serving institutions) that demonstrate that the use of such preferential treatment is in the best interest of students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education.

This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year. The resolution expresses, in observance of this Lunar New Year, the Year of the Tiger, the deepest respect of the House of Representatives for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion. The resolution wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.

Maddy summaryHR 6525, the Lunar New Year Day Act, would designate the Lunar New Year as an official federal holiday. The bill amends Section 6103(a) of Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Lunar New Year Day" to the list of holidays observed by federal employees. This holiday would be observed on the actual date of the Lunar New Year, which varies annually based on the lunar calendar. As a result, federal employees would receive a paid day off, and federal agencies would adjust operations to accommodate the new holiday.

This resolution recognizes the service of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and encourages participation in National CRNA Week.

Heating and Cooling Relief Act This bill provides additional energy assistance to households, including heating and cooling assistance. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2031 and revises the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Under the existing program, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants to states for assisting low-income households that pay a high proportion of their income for home energy. To be eligible under the existing program, households must have incomes which do not exceed the greater of an amount equal to 150% of the poverty level for their state or an amount equal to 60% of the state median income. The bill expands eligibility to households with incomes which do not exceed the greater of an amount equal to 250% of the poverty line as defined in the Community Services Block Grant Act or an amount equal to 80% of the state median income. In addition, the bill expands eligibility to households with a monthly energy burden of 3% or more per year. It also requires states to establish procedures to protect households receiving assistance under the program from energy shutoffs and certain late fees. In addition, the bill requires HHS and the Department of Energy to jointly carry out a program that awards grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing interagency plans to reduce energy burdens for eligible households with high home energy use. The plans must promote the reduction of energy from fossil fuels.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 884) symbolically recognizes January 2022 as "National Mentoring Month" to highlight the value of mentoring relationships for youth. It does not create new laws or provide funding, but instead acknowledges mentoring's role in supporting young people's education, career development, and well-being. The resolution encourages promoting mentoring programs across communities, schools, and workplaces to address the "mentoring gap" where one in three youth lacks a supportive adult outside their home. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect on individuals or programs.

This resolution expresses the policy of the United States for addressing and mitigating national security challenges, including the spread of infectious diseases and pandemics, the climate crisis, the proliferation and threat of the use of nuclear weapons, human rights violations, corruption, conflict, and violence, authoritarianism, gender, economic, and social inequality, and transnational White supremacist violence and racist nationalism.

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne.