Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryHR 244, the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2023, removes Medicare's exclusion of hearing aids and related examinations from coverage under the Social Security Act. This change will directly affect Medicare beneficiaries with hearing loss, allowing them to receive coverage for hearing aids and necessary exams starting January 1, 2024. The bill amends Section 1862(a)(7) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the specific exclusion. Additionally, it requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study existing hearing aid programs and report to Congress within 18 months of the coverage change, including recommendations for improving access. This is a concrete policy change that expands Medicare benefits for a specific healthcare need.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 35 (Close the Medigap Act of 2023), prohibits Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on health status, pre-existing conditions, genetic information, or age. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (particularly those with pre-existing conditions) and requires insurers to offer guaranteed issue coverage starting January 1, 2024, with full implementation by 2029. Key mechanisms include banning health-based pricing discrimination, requiring insurers to spend at least 65% of individual policy premiums on healthcare (increasing to align with NAIC recommendations), and improving transparency on the Medicare Plan Finder website. The bill does not change Medicare Part A/B benefits but ensures broader access to supplemental coverage without health-related barriers.

Maddy summaryThe Assuring Medicare’s Promise Act of 2023 directs that taxes collected under the net investment income tax (a tax on investment income for high earners) be added to the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, which helps finance Medicare Part A benefits. It modifies the tax code to include certain business income of high-income individuals (with modified adjusted gross income over $400,000 for single filers or $500,000 for joint filers) in the tax base, but includes a phase-in mechanism to limit immediate tax increases. This bill primarily affects high-income taxpayers and aims to strengthen Medicare’s financial stability by increasing trust fund revenue.

Maddy summaryHR 33 would expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services for beneficiaries, which are currently not covered under Medicare. The bill provides 100% coverage for preventive dental services in 2024, with basic dental services gradually increasing to 80% coverage by 2027. Vision coverage would include routine eye exams and corrective lenses at 80% coverage, while hearing services would cover hearing exams and hearing aids at 80% coverage. The bill includes specific limitations, such as two dental cleanings per year and one pair of glasses every 24 months, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services having authority to apply additional limitations or modify coverage based on medical recommendations. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies existing U.S. sanctions targeting individuals or entities undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, as defined under Executive Order 14115. It establishes a formal process for the President to terminate sanctions against specific persons only after notifying Congress and confirming they have stopped the sanctioned activity and will not resume it. The bill does not create new sanctions but clarifies the termination procedure, requiring 15 days' advance notice to congressional committees (Foreign Relations and Banking committees in both chambers) unless exigent circumstances apply. It directly affects persons previously sanctioned under the executive order for activities threatening West Bank stability.

Maddy summaryHR 10311, the Franchisee Freedom Act, allows franchisees harmed by franchisor violations of federal rules (specifically part 436 of title 16, CFR) to directly sue franchisors in court. It provides remedies including actual damages, contract rescission, and attorney fees. Lawsuits can be filed in either federal district court or state court where the franchisee resides. This bill directly affects franchisees who have been harmed by franchisor noncompliance with the specified federal regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 6751 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame baseball player and humanitarian, including 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins. The coins must feature Clemente's image and inscriptions like "Roberto Clemente" and "2027," with all sales including a surcharge ($5-$35 per coin) paid to the Roberto Clemente Foundation. The foundation, which supports youth sports, education, and disaster relief programs, will use these funds for its mission, while the U.S. Treasury must recover all production costs. The coins will be sold exclusively in 2027, with no net cost to the government.

Maddy summaryThe American Manufacturing Renaissance Act establishes a non-profit Corporation within the Department of Commerce to develop and monitor a national manufacturing strategy focused on equity, environmental justice, and economic revitalization. The Corporation would create 30 local Manufacturing Renaissance Councils (MRCs) across the country, each with a governing board representing workers, educators, local government, small manufacturers, and community organizations. These MRCs would implement programs to address skills gaps, support worker ownership transitions, provide wraparound services for workers, and prioritize communities of color and economically distressed areas. The bill authorizes $4 billion annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to fund these initiatives, with specific goals including manufacturing representing 20% of GDP by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions sector-wide by 2030.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames a specific U.S. Postal Service facility in Rockford, Illinois, to honor Jay P. Larson. The building at 5225 Harrison Avenue will officially be called the "Jay P. Larson Post Office Building." All government documents, maps, and records referencing the location will automatically update to use the new name. This is a purely administrative designation with no policy changes or direct impact on citizens or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Truth and Healing Commission to investigate the history and impacts of U.S. Indian Boarding School policies on Native American communities, including cultural, emotional, and physical effects on survivors, descendants, and tribal communities. The Commission will document these impacts through research, public meetings, and testimony, working with two advisory committees focused on Native American perspectives and Federal agency coordination. The Commission will operate for six years, with annual reports to Congress and a final report containing recommendations for Federal action. The bill also includes provisions for managing burial sites related to boarding schools and ensures the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to remains found on Federal lands related to these schools.