Rep. Steny H. Hoyer

Maddy summaryThis bill expands paid family and medical leave for federal employees by increasing total entitlement from 12 to 26 weeks annually. It modifies existing laws to cover all federal workers (including those at the GAO, USPS, Library of Congress, and congressional staff), replacing "parental leave" with broader "family and medical leave" and adding 14 additional weeks for qualifying events like childbirth, adoption, or serious health conditions. Employees who already used paid leave under other programs will have their new entitlement reduced by the days already taken. The changes apply immediately to most federal employees, with specific timelines for agencies like the Veterans Affairs Department and District of Columbia courts.

Maddy summaryHR 715, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023, requires background checks for all firearm transfers between private individuals, not just those through licensed dealers. It mandates that unlicensed sellers must involve a licensed dealer to conduct a background check before transferring a firearm, with exceptions for family transfers (like spouses or parents/children), law enforcement, temporary safety transfers, and certain hunting or range activities. The bill also requires licensed dealers to provide a notice and certification form in both English and Spanish to buyers. It explicitly states it won't create a national gun registry or override state laws on the same topic. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 660, "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals prohibited from owning firearms under federal/state law reside to store firearms securely. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a minor or prohibited person could access the firearm, with fines of $500 per violation and enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death occurs. The bill also establishes a federal grant program to help states implement similar secure storage laws and provides funding incentives for states that already have such laws in place.

Maddy summaryThe HEAL Act (HR 603) requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how public elementary and secondary schools teach about the Holocaust and related antisemitism. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teaching methods (like project-based learning), instructional materials, and assessment approaches across states and school districts. It specifically analyzes whether Holocaust education is mandatory, optional, or integrated across subjects, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention. The resulting report, due within 180 days of the study or three years after enactment, will inform Congress but does not change current school policies. This is a data-gathering measure, not a policy mandate.

Maddy summaryHRES 42 is a symbolic resolution expressing the House's desire for the U.S. Postal Service's Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to consider issuing a commemorative stamp honoring late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD). It does not create new law or affect any specific people or policies - it only requests the USPS committee recommend a stamp to the Postmaster General. The resolution highlights Cummings' career, including his service as Oversight Committee Chair and advocacy for issues like drug pricing and postal service stability. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but aims to formally recognize his legacy through a commemorative stamp.

This resolution condemns all acts of political violence, as well as attacks on health care facilities, health care personnel, and patients. The resolution also states that all people have the freedom to access reproductive health care services and medical advice without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Finally, the resolution calls on the Biden Administration to use all appropriate authorities to uphold public safety, protect health care facilities, and safeguard health care personnel and patients.

Maddy summaryHR 52, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, promotes safe firearm storage through several concrete measures. It requires firearm manufacturers to include a "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" notice with each new handgun, rifle, or shotgun sold, directing buyers to the Attorney General’s public website with safe storage guidance. The bill also creates a federal grant program ($10 million annually) for states and tribes to develop public programs distributing safe storage devices (like locked containers or trigger locks), and establishes a tax credit for individuals purchasing such devices. These provisions directly affect firearm manufacturers, state/local governments, and the public seeking to secure firearms responsibly.

Maddy summaryHR 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would admit Washington, D.C. as the 51st state, named "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth," granting its residents full representation in Congress with two Senators and one Representative. The bill establishes procedures for admission, including elections for state officials, with the state initially having one Representative until the next congressional apportionment. It would create a "Capital" area (including the White House, Capitol, and other key federal buildings) that remains under federal jurisdiction as the seat of the U.S. government, while the rest of the District becomes the new state. The bill also includes provisions to ensure continuity of federal services, property management, and legal procedures during the transition to statehood.

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.

Puerto Rico Status Act This bill provides for a plebiscite to be held on November 5, 2023, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. Specifically, such plebiscite shall offer eligible voters a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign through traditional paid media and make available at all voting locations voter education materials related to the plebiscites, and invite national and international election observers to ensure transparency and confidence in the electoral process. All voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this bill shall be made available in English and Spanish. The bill sets forth transition and implementation provisions for each choice offered in the plebiscite.