Rep. Stephen F. Lynch

Maddy summaryHRES 1392 is a non-binding congressional resolution recognizing "Banned Books Week" and expressing concern about widespread book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. It cites data showing over 1,600 unique books were banned in K-12 schools during the 2021-2022 school year, including works addressing race, LGBTQ+ themes, and historical topics. The resolution urges educational institutions to follow best practices for handling book challenges, protect students' access to diverse materials, and avoid censorship based on political or ideological preferences. It does not create new laws but formally condemns book bans as threats to free expression and democratic discourse.

Maddy summaryHRES 1317 designates November 20-December 20, 2022, as "National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month." It symbolically recognizes families, friends, and communities affected by homicide, particularly highlighting disproportionate impacts on Black and Hispanic/Latinx survivors. The resolution encourages raising awareness, supporting survivors through services, and promoting research on trauma and healing. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but calls for community engagement and compassion.

This resolution expresses support for implementing a Transgender Bill of Rights that guarantees certain rights for transgender and nonbinary people with respect to public services and accommodations, employment, housing, health care, and other specified areas.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Maddy summaryHRES 1144 is a symbolic resolution designating June 3, 2022, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2022 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or policies but urges the public to wear orange, promote gun safety awareness, and hold community discussions about reducing gun violence during these dates. The resolution cites U.S. statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries as context for the designation. It directly affects the general public by encouraging voluntary observance and community engagement. The bill has no binding effect or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 981) commemorates the one-year anniversary of the March 16, 2021, Atlanta spa shootings that killed eight people, six of whom were Asian women, and denounces anti-Asian hate. It formally condemns the violence, honors the victims, and recognizes the ongoing impact of anti-Asian hate crimes on the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The resolution reaffirms support for the existing COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and commits the federal government to combating hate and violence against AAPI communities. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of solidarity.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the proposed constitutional amendment known as the Equal Rights Amendment has been duly proposed by Congress and ratified by the states and is therefore valid as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. (The proposed amendment prohibits the United States or any state from denying or abridging equal rights under the law on account of sex.)

This resolution expresses support for the principles of Transgender Day of Remembrance, memorializing the lives lost to anti-transgender violence this year.

Maddy summaryHRES 507 is a non-binding House resolution condemning legislative actions and violence targeting transgender and nonbinary individuals. It references 2021 state bills restricting transgender youth access to gender-affirming medical care, sports participation, and public facilities, alongside statistics on rising violence (44 transgender killings in 2020) and mental health impacts. The resolution formally condemns discriminatory legislation and violence, remembers victims of transphobic hate, and commits to advocating for the community’s safety. As a symbolic resolution - not a law - it expresses congressional disapproval but does not create new policies or alter existing laws.

This resolution recognizes the sacrifices and bravery of the Afghan people in their struggle for democracy while enduring decades-long conflict and oppression by the Taliban. It also condemns the Taliban's continued human rights violations.