Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryHR 8677, the Save Voters Act, requires states to use objective, reliable evidence before removing a voter from registration lists for federal elections. It specifically prohibits removing voters based on not voting, not responding to notices (unless undeliverable), or failing to take other voting-related actions. States must send removal notices within 48 hours to affected voters, explaining the reason and how to contest it, and issue public notices about mass removal efforts. The bill applies directly to voters and state election offices managing voter registration lists.

Maddy summaryHR 8691, the Restoring Justice for Workers Act, prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign arbitration agreements before any dispute arises (predispute agreements) or retaliating against workers who refuse them. It also sets strict requirements for postdispute arbitration agreements, mandating written consent after a 45-day waiting period, clear disclosure of workers' rights, and proof the agreement wasn't forced. The bill directly affects all workers (including independent contractors) and employers covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act, ensuring collective claims and concerted activity cannot be barred through forced arbitration. Key provisions make predispute arbitration agreements void and require voluntary, informed postdispute agreements with specific safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new federal funding and structural changes to address liver cancer and liver disease disparities. It allocates $45 million annually for liver cancer research, $90 million for prevention and patient tracking programs targeting high-risk communities, and $10 million for culturally appropriate awareness campaigns. The legislation redesignates the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, Kidney, and Liver Diseases, creating a new Division of Liver Diseases within the institute. It specifically aims to address higher liver cancer rates among Asian-American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic communities, which are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B. Key provisions include creating a National Liver Diseases Data System and requiring community consultation for outreach programs.

Maddy summaryHRES 1278 is a congressional resolution condemning violence against Garífuna land rights defenders in Honduras and calling for the Honduran government to implement a 2015 Inter-American Court ruling requiring land returns to Garífuna communities. It specifically urges the U.S. State Department to coordinate with Honduras on human rights compliance and requests that multilateral development banks (World Bank and IDB) suspend funding for projects violating Garífuna land rights. The resolution also asks these institutions to review past projects that may have contributed to human rights violations against Garífuna communities and to consult with Garífuna communities before approving new projects. This resolution does not create new laws but serves as a formal statement of congressional position, directly affecting the Garífuna people of Honduras whose cultural survival and land rights are threatened by ongoing displacement and violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans rental property owners (with 4+ units) and software services from using algorithms that coordinate pricing or lease terms among landlords, which could enable price-fixing. It specifically prohibits "coordinating functions" like collecting and analyzing rental data to recommend prices or occupancy levels, deeming such use a per se violation of antitrust law. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general can enforce these rules, and victims of violations can sue for triple damages. Pre-dispute arbitration agreements or waivers preventing class actions related to these violations are also invalidated.

Maddy summaryHR 8639, the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, requires employers in covered warehouse facilities (including distribution centers, storage facilities, and delivery services) to provide workers with clear written descriptions of any quotas they're subject to, including how performance is measured and monitored. The bill prohibits quotas that interfere with breaks, safety compliance, or anti-discrimination protections, and mandates that employers provide employee work speed data in human-readable formats. It creates new anti-retaliation protections for workers who exercise these rights or file complaints, and establishes a Fairness and Transparency Office within the Department of Labor to oversee implementation. The act also amends the National Labor Relations Act to explicitly prohibit quotas that discourage workers from exercising their labor rights.

Maddy summaryThe PROVE Act requires states to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote in federal elections, with their registration automatically activating upon turning 18. States may also permit pre-registration for younger minors. The bill provides $25 million in grants to states for programs promoting youth civic engagement, including modifying school curricula to teach election processes and encouraging use of the pre-registration system. It directly affects minors aged 16-17 and aims to increase their participation in federal elections.

Maddy summaryHR 8609, the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act, creates two new offices within the Supreme Court: an Office of Ethics Counsel to advise justices on ethical matters like financial disclosures and gift acceptance, and an Office of Investigative Counsel to review formal ethics complaints. The Ethics Counsel provides biannual training to justices and submits annual reports to Congress on ethics advice given, while the Investigative Counsel handles complaints filed only by specific congressional leaders (e.g., committee chairs, Senate leaders) and can issue subpoenas for investigations. If a complaint is validated, the Investigative Counsel submits a report to the Chief Justice (or senior associate justice if the Chief is the subject) with findings and recommendations, which must be shared with relevant congressional committees. The bill establishes specific qualifications, pay rates ($180,000-$225,000 annually), and term limits for both offices’ staff.

Maddy summaryHR 8617, the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024, automatically grants U.S. citizenship to certain internationally adopted individuals who meet specific criteria. It directly affects adoptees adopted by U.S. citizen parents before age 18, who were physically present in the U.S. in legal custody before age 18, never acquired citizenship before the bill's enactment, and were residing in the U.S. on the bill's effective date. For those already in the U.S., citizenship becomes automatic upon meeting these conditions; for those abroad, citizenship is granted upon lawful entry. The bill removes barriers that previously prevented automatic citizenship for these adoptees under prior immigration rules. It requires background checks for visa issuance but exempts applicants from standard inadmissibility grounds.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1271) is a symbolic gesture expressing the House's support for designating June 7, 2024, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2024 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or policies but urges the public to wear orange, raise awareness about gun violence, and focus on community safety during summer months when such incidents often increase. The resolution references statistics on gun-related deaths and honors victims like Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed in 2013. It directly affects the public by calling on individuals and communities to participate in awareness activities. This is a non-binding, commemorative measure with no direct legal impact on legislation or regulations.