Rep. Jamie Raskin

Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) would amend federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing, employment, credit, and jury service. It amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under existing sex discrimination provisions. The bill would require businesses, housing providers, employers, and government entities to provide equal access and services without regard to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation to clarify protections across all covered areas. The law would apply to all entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including those receiving federal funding.

Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2023 This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms. Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.

Maddy summaryHR 4178, the Quiet Communities Act of 2023, reestablishes the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which was defunded in 1982. The bill directly affects communities exposed to harmful noise pollution from sources like aircraft, traffic, and highways, impacting millions with hearing impairments or health risks. Key mechanisms include authorizing $25 million annually for the EPA office to provide technical assistance and grants to states for local noise control programs, fund national research on noise health impacts, and conduct a study on aircraft noise effects. The bill also repeals outdated provisions from the 1970 Noise Control Act to modernize the EPA's role in addressing noise pollution.

Maddy summaryHR 4121, the Right to Contraception Act, establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and contraception services without government restriction or coercion, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers. The bill prohibits state or federal laws that limit access to contraceptives (defined broadly to include devices, drugs, and fertility methods), prevent individuals from obtaining or using them, or allow providers to refuse services based on personal beliefs. It preempts conflicting state laws, requires any restrictions to be justified by "clear and convincing evidence" of advancing access with no less restrictive alternative, and allows private lawsuits to challenge violations. The Act applies nationwide to all health care providers and individuals, protecting access regardless of factors like race, income, or location.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives the FDA authority to request access to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) for microbial sampling during foodborne illness outbreaks. CAFOs must provide reasonable access for sampling plants, animals, water, or environmental samples to investigate outbreaks or address public health needs. The law does not impose new food safety requirements on CAFOs beyond this sampling during specific investigations and explicitly maintains existing USDA oversight for meat, poultry, and egg products. It also requires FDA to share collected data with USDA and state health agencies to support outbreak response efforts.

Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FASD Respect Act, establishes a new federal program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The bill creates FASD Centers for Excellence to build state, tribal, and national capacity for prevention, identification, and support services - directly affecting individuals with FASD, their families, and healthcare providers. Key provisions include developing standardized diagnostic guidelines, expanding screening and training for medical professionals, creating a national resource directory for FASD services, and promoting culturally informed interventions. The program requires HHS to report to Congress on progress within four years. This legislation restructures existing HHS authority to focus comprehensively on FASD across the lifespan, replacing older terminology with consistent "FASD" references.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 43 authorizes the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to host a public soap box derby race on the Capitol Grounds on June 17, 2023. The event must be free and open to all visitors without disrupting congressional operations, and the sponsor covers all costs and liabilities. The Architect of the Capitol and Capitol Police will enforce existing rules on the grounds, including restrictions on sales, advertising, and other activities during the event.

Maddy summaryHRES 516 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's view that the Secretary of Defense should review Section 504 of Title 10, U.S. Code. This provision governs military enlistment rules, specifically regarding whether aliens (non-citizens) with valid employment authorization - like those holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status - can be enlisted. The resolution requests a review to determine if current policy allows enlistment of DACA recipients under existing military regulations. It does not change law but asks the Pentagon to assess the current policy's application to this group.

Maddy summaryHR 4183, the Economic Inclusion Civil Rights Act of 2023, amends federal civil rights law to expand protections against economic discrimination. It defines "economic activity" broadly to include everyday actions like shopping, housing, hiring, and accessing loans, and requires that all people have "full and equal benefit and enjoyment" of these activities compared to white citizens. Key mechanisms include shifting the burden to businesses to justify practices that disproportionately harm protected groups (e.g., requiring proof of "substantial business necessity" without pretext), expanding who can sue (including non-contract parties), and ensuring jury trials for violations. This bill directly affects individuals facing discrimination in economic opportunities, making it easier to challenge practices in courts under a new standard of equal access.

Lady Liberty Act of 2023 This bill sets a floor of 125,000 for the maximum number of refugees who may be admitted into the United States each fiscal year. Under current law, the President sets the annual cap on refugee admissions at the beginning of each fiscal year. (The cap for FY2023 was 125,000, but in some years it had been lower. For example, the cap for FY2021 was 15,000.)