Rep. James P. McGovern

Maddy summaryThe More Teaching Less Testing Act of 2023 would reduce standardized testing in public schools by allowing states to use alternative assessment methods like grade-span testing (administering tests once per grade span instead of annually) and requiring a 90-day public comment period before implementing assessments. It prohibits using test scores as the sole factor for grade retention, diplomas, or teacher evaluations, and establishes a taskforce to evaluate testing practices and promote innovative assessment systems. This bill directly affects elementary and secondary schools across the country, potentially freeing up instructional time for more engaging learning activities. The legislation would change how states administer assessments while focusing on deeper learning rather than test preparation.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores access to VA housing loans and educational benefits for Black World War II veterans who were denied GI Bill benefits due to racial discrimination, as well as for their living spouses, children, grandchildren, or direct descendants. It defines eligibility by requiring applicants to certify that their veteran relative was denied GI Bill benefits on racial grounds, with a five-year application window starting from the bill's enactment date. The VA must process these applications within 90 days and report to Congress on the number of recipients and total benefit value within one year. This addresses historical discrimination by creating new pathways to benefits for affected individuals and their families.

Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation Act or the SMART Act This bill limits design patent infringement liability for component parts used to repair the exterior of a motor vehicle. Specifically, the bill limits liability for infringement of a design patent that claims the appearance of a component part of a motor vehicle's exterior, such as a hood or fender. The act of making, offering to sell within the United States, or importing into the United States an article of manufacture (such as an exterior component part from an aftermarket manufacturer) that would otherwise infringe such a design patent shall not constitute infringement if the purpose of the article of manufacture is to repair a motor vehicle to restore it to its original appearance. In addition, 30 months after a motor vehicle with an exterior component part covered by a design patent is offered for sale in any country, it shall not constitute design patent infringement to use or sell within the United States an otherwise-infringing article of manufacture if the purpose of that article of manufacture is to repair the motor vehicle to restore it to its original appearance.

American Families United Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) to exercise discretion in certain immigration cases. Under this bill, DOJ or DHS may, on a case-by-case basis, exercise discretion by declining to remove a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) or bar an alien from entering the United States to prevent hardship for the alien's U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or child. This discretion may also be exercised if the alien is the spouse or child of a deceased U.S. citizen. For the purposes of this bill, it shall be presumed that family separation constitutes hardship. However, DOJ or DHS may not exercise this discretion if the alien is removable or inadmissible due to certain grounds, including specified crime- and security-related grounds. This exercise of discretion may be applied to an alien who was ordered removed or denied entry prior to this bill's enactment if the alien files a motion to reopen or reconsider within two years of this bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 1723, the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2023, amends the Foreign Assistance Act to remove restrictions on using U.S. foreign aid funds for abortion services. It explicitly allows U.S. foreign assistance programs to fund comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion services, training, and equipment. This change directly affects U.S. international health programs and recipient countries, enabling them to integrate safe abortion care into broader reproductive health services. The bill aims to align U.S. policy with global health guidelines by making abortion services a standard part of reproductive health care funded through foreign assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies federal highway funding rules to prioritize safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It allows states and local governments to receive 100% federal funding for projects that connect existing bike/pedestrian infrastructure or reduce safety risks for these users, instead of the usual lower federal share. The bill also requires projects to align with state safety plans focusing on vulnerable road users and includes specific "Proven Safety Countermeasures" for cyclists/pedestrians. These changes directly affect states administering federal highway funds and local governments seeking to improve non-motorized transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHR 1312 designates the entire Deerfield River in Massachusetts and Vermont - including its North, South, East, and West Branches and major tributaries like the Green River and Cold River - for a study under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete this study within three years of funding and submit a report to Congress on the river's suitability for protection. This study would assess the river's natural, cultural, and recreational values but does not immediately protect the river or alter land use. The legislation directly affects communities and ecosystems within the Deerfield River watershed in both states. It is a procedural step to gather data before Congress decides whether to formally designate the river as "Wild and Scenic."

Maddy summaryHR 1320, the COAST Anti-Drilling Act, bans new oil and gas leasing in four specific coastal areas: the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas of the outer Continental Shelf. The bill amends federal law to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any leases or authorizations for exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or minerals in these regions. This directly affects coastal states and marine ecosystems in those areas by preventing new offshore drilling projects. The law creates a permanent restriction on new leasing in these designated zones.

Maddy summaryHR 1136, the Albert Pike Statue Removal Act, directs the National Park Service to remove a statue honoring Albert Pike from its location near Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C. The bill mandates removal of the statue erected in 1898 under a prior congressional resolution and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to donate it to a museum or similar institution for indoor preservation. The recipient must display the statue only indoors; if displayed outdoors, ownership reverts to the federal government. This bill directly affects the physical location and future display of the statue, with no other policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Outdoors for All Act establishes a federal grant program to fund outdoor recreation projects in underserved communities. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants to eligible entities (like states, cities, tribal organizations, or nonprofits) for acquiring land, developing parks, or renovating outdoor facilities in qualifying urban areas (population 25,000+ or tribal lands) or low-income communities (where 30%+ of residents have incomes at or below 80% of local median income or 200% of the federal poverty line). Grants require a 100% cash or in-kind match (with limited waivers), prohibit funding for indoor facilities or maintenance, and prioritize projects enhancing park access, engaging youth, creating jobs, or improving environmental benefits like reducing urban heat islands. The program mandates annual reporting and focuses on concrete community outcomes rather than speculative results.